MmJEY 






OTHJ5.R rOB, 



WfruAM H. 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Chap. Copyright No. 

Shelt^PAHS 



L 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 




SPAULDING HOUSE. 

Where Book of Mormon was written. 



THE 

HAMLET ON THE HILL 

AND 

OTHER POEMS. 



BY / 

William H. Phipps. 



1897. 



PITTSBURG, PA. 



^ll''^ 






.P3H3 



Copyright by 
Wm. H. Phipps. 



1S97. 

STAR PRINTING CO. 



(rreface. 



We take from Village Souvenir some 
twenty pages of Amity Annals. The 
balance is entirely new; And to our read- 
ers we present a book of one hundred 
and sixty pages. 

With an interesting narrative by Mr. 
Isaac Sharp, the anecdotes and facts 
have been of interest to us; hope they 
may be so to the reader. 



CONTENTS, 



Page. 

Description of Amity Valley and Creek 5 

The Parsonage, The Boat 9 

Charter Members. Presbyterian Preachers 15 

Spauldings Writings. Mormon House 17 

Deacon and Pony. Sermon on Gold 21 

Preaching for Revival. Noah 28 

Converts. Clutters exhortatiqn 30 

Hathavyav and Captains Return _.. 33 

The First Gas Well. Poet Streams 35 

Jones Desperadoes. Indian Mounds 39 

Grand Uprising. 41 

Reeves Courtship. Woman's Rights 42 

Home Verses. Goldsmith's Parson 51 

Brother Scott. The Church Roll 54 

Old Log Church. Boy Prisoners 57 

Bidwell Street Lot. The Pork Deal 62 

The Big Frost, The Grove 65 

Revival- Baptisms. Jessie Hull 69 

Posiel of the Valley. Capitalists 74 

The Homestead Strike, The Comet 82 

Mr. Frick Shot. The Farmers Wife 84 

Wood Pile Scene. Stolen Sermon 87 

J. D- Herr and Nevr ChurchlPreachers leaving Church 90 

Condition of the Farmers. Old .Preachers 100 

Decoration Day. A Great Revival 104 

Old Lovers, Memorial Service 113 

Longevity of Amwell People. Bicycles 126 

County Roads, Electric Car 129 

Jocund and Sanctimonious Preachers. Weddings 134 

Those that Remain. Brothers Sutton and Jordan 138 

Notes of Isaac Sharp. • 141 

Just Married 145 

Profile 146 

Tell Jesus 147 

Youthful Sports 150 

Soaking in Sunshine 151 

Blarney Castle 155 



Villap SoiiTcnir and Other Poeis. 

AMITY ANNALS. 



Amity, a small but ancient village, 
Stands on hill surrounded by good tillage; 
Its scope takes in extensive hills and plains, 
Quite fertile with all the various grains ; 
Pastures will meet the eye wherever you gaze, 
Covered w'th flocks which in contentmentgraze. 
And in the evening ev'ry sheep-cot's full. 
In shearing time, great is the crop of wool 
Of finest grade. 

'Twas in Washington's administration 
That Pennsylvania aroused the nation 
By rebellion in the State for whisky. 
Since, farmers supph^ the still, though risky. 
Yet law and conscience often make them squirm; 
But for profit they feed the liquor worm. 
Church members would freely decanters pass; 
Preachers could join them in a social glass 
All was approved. 



VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

Over on tlie other side the oceau 
Temperance makes not the same commotiom, 
Their social feasts retained olden features 
Liquors used and treated as God's creatures, 
And at many private teas and dinners 
Chosen beverage for saints and sinners, 
Saw English canon, who thought it not sin 
To say grace over a bottle of gin, 
So strange a sight. 

The perfume was a scent for all the food; 
We Americans were not in pious mood, 
Never prayed for product of the still, 
Had fought it long with a determined will. 
'Twas then our farmers, with the corn and rye, 
Brought to the distillers a full suppl_v. 
And when plenty crowned the harvest morn, 
Then the still obtained the r^^e and corn 
For bane of man. 

A faithful record of these hills and vales 
Recalls to mind valued historic tales ; 
Farms, the abode of comfort and of thrift, 
Are seen at every point their grandeur lift. 
'Tis long since we could recount their staples 
Of wool, corn and sugar from the maples. 
More anxious was. the farmer for the fleece 
Than screeching wagon for the axle grease 
Oij the dry hub. 



AMITY ANNALS. 7 

The ten-mile creek, which wends its crooked way 
'Mid verdant hills, whose mighty crops of hay 
From 3'ear to year adorn their space with stacks 
For more barn room the thrifty farmer lacks. 
The creek quite rich in several kinds of fish, 
Were found for many an apetizing dish, 
Socially the anglers' lips ma 3^ piicker 
For trout or bass, ignoring each sucker. 
No fish better. 

Small animals are found upon its banks — 
Rabbit, squirrel and muskrat swell the ranks. 
Beaver with Indian passed away, 
And otters in the creek no longer play. 
Let painter stand on the bank with easel, 
Paint them all, ferret, mole and the weasti, 
All the land and the amphibious tribes, 
Nature's work seen, from pencil, free from bribes 
That men may give. 

If parson sought fleece in those by-gone days, 
'Twas but the meager ones that met his gaze. 
Unlike Gideon, he had no second test, 
With fleece wet or dry, his family was blest. 
Sad fact, both earth and fleece were often dry, 
And prayer bought no manna from the sky ; 
Promised bread and water were always sure. 
As good soldiers, hardships of war endure, 
In camp or field. 



VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

They, likespoor laborers at hedge or ditch, 
Or Goldsmith's village parson, verj' rich, 
With salary of forty pounds a year, 
Or larger, only sixty pounds appear. 
Three hundred dollars was the maximum; 
By many 'twas thought a liberal sum. 
For family of four and the pony, 
Which made the financial way look stony 
Like mountain road. 

There's no refuge 'neath a juniper tree. 
From the pressure they knew not where to flee; 
On land or sea no sheltering havens; 
And they were not fe ^d by A'indly ravens. 
Practical economy the teacher, 
Relentless v^rhoever may beseech her. 
As in Saviour's day, each got his penny, 
It would buy much, but grumblers w^ere many, 
Yet all got through. 

On creek bank stood Presbyterian parsonage, 

New, like an infant in its early age, 
Then occupied by Brother Harbison, 
Pleading all things bj-^ the decrees were done; 
Northoughttheyoncetochange their confession 

Or speak of it in the church or session. 
Those were days of sterling orthodoxy, 
Heresy like Herod, mean and foxy, 
To be shunned. 



AMITY ANNALS. 9 

But on the second visit to that charge, 
To occupy, came offer free and large. 
At modest rent — a chance gladly seized, 
Against the Methodists all were appeased. 
In that summer company went to war, 
Many a social prospect felt the jar; 
A mar to all the plans of church and home, 
For freedom's sake o'er southern roads they roam 
With stars and stripes. 

For preacher, sad was the situation, 
A common sufferer for the nation ; 
Left with a very few to sing or pray. 
Reducing the quarterage in his pay. 
On such trials will the domir.ee harden 
When his chief dependence was the garden ; 
To stand by and comfort them in the cause 
No faithful minister would seem to pause 
For country's sake. 

About that day arrives at parsonage 
One to make record in a coming age, 
Who now signs checks for a great ruling firm ; 
Greatness has fruit — at first 'tis bud or germ, 
The world stands ready any to applaud- 
Who gain position by labor or fraud ; 
Earth in loud chorus swells the great well done, 
And tempest wafts it high toward the sun, 
God may be there. 



10 VILLAGE SOUVENIR, 

The preacher is not there, but laborh> on 
For God and man, that they niaj' both be one, 
In hopeful view of building up the cause. 
Yet tempting bribes would still suggest a pause. 
True to history is the confession, 
Law tempted as lucrative profession. 
The ministry held in its firm embrace 
Men who for gain could not their steps retrace, 
Or earthU' fame. 

The creek above the dam has a deep draft. 
Ample for passenger or pleasure craft ; 
Little steamers, like those upon the Seine, 
Could navigate were there a chance for gain. 
And were its waters to the river slacked, 
Steamboats with exciirsions might be packed, 
If city folks would patronize canal, 
Freight and passengers might make paying haul, 
With oil and coal. 

For, if farmers would but join the movement, 
And risk cash in water-way improvement; 
Their fathers kept a railroad from the valley 
To slack the creek sons are slow to rally. 
Although the}- often feci a little cross, 
In mourning o'er the heavy railroad loss, 
Baltimore and Ohio sent by dear route, 
The foolish action none will now dispute. 
Or justify. 



AMITY ANNALS. 11 

Changes might not suit the old time plodder, 
Though shipping cheaper hay corn and fodder; 
The little railroad has delighted him 
With a real vision now no longer dim, 
He is ready for worthy enterprise. 
Beneath his fields many a treasure lies 
Of gas, oil, ore and bituminous coal, 
If pipe and barges bore it, wealth w^ould roll 
Into his purse. 

iThefirst boat launched on the ten-mile stream 
Has left no record of its keel or beam ; 
Its ugly form from memory slipped. 
We recollect it was a nondescript 
Not found on water, land or in the air. 
In its design no other scow could share ; 
How'er, 'twas built by preacher and his son, 
And brought him trouble when the work was done 
By some meddlers. 

We thought not of the Indian bark canoe, 
And the Mound Builders were not in our view; 
The works they did, time with its ravages 
Deals harsh with civilized and savages. 
In their naval efforts we are not versed, 
And it is so hard to tell who built the first. 
To sail the waters of the little creek. 
For its dams man did not cut the first stick, 
'Twas the beaver. 



12 VILLAGE SOUVENIR 

We remember the boat of later date 
That sailed the creek in more majestic state, 
Owned by young people from the city, 
Joyful crowd that knew not harm's sad ditty 
In their fleeting hours of ease and pleasure, 
Horses and boat filled time of leisure; 
The boat for farmers' ferry used to-day, 
One of its former rowers passed away, 
Noble young man. 

Rowing a boat the movement of the arms 
Is so healthful, nor should there be alarms, 
Building the body need not hurt the soul. 
Everj' pastime is not a dreadful ghoul, 
Religion is a thing to bless and cheer. 
And should not in su'.h sable robes appear, 
For made by bad stomachs or feeble brains 
Are all those prohibitory refrains 
That sing of sin. 

True, they alwa3'S edge about the parson. 
If he be like a Boone or Kit Carson, 
If for pleasure drives the bull-eye center 
And comes off the best at every venture. 
Does a little fun take his religion ? 
F«x-hunting;preachers may fill your vision. 
Hunting excesses only may be sin. 
But Yankee preacher does not take them in 
In any games. 



AMITY ANNALS. 13 

For the headquarters of the little crowd 
In the farm house of which we still are proud 
Has sheltered pastors 'neatli its kindly roof, 
When both man and horse enjoyed full procif. 
In the parlor table at the manger 
Entertainment was never in danger; 
Hotels in that place found verj^ few peers 
With such blessings that the traveler cheers 
In pilgrimage. 

A legacy of good for the pastor's sake 
The frequent welcomes that his children take 
To the old building touched bj' time. 
Alany another house might swell the rhyme 
Of the kindness through a generation 
We meet in the old fields at every station, 
Whose gospel work has been honestly done. 
Bright skies are painted hy the midday- sun 
Over holy spots. 

'Tis five and thirty 3'ears since our first view 
Of Amit}', when to a door we drew; 
A tall form met us, \vell advanced in j^ears, 
And dissipated all our anxious fears. 
There were noble men in those early times, 
And none more so th^m brother lames ; 
A friend and counselor in time of need, 
For a 3-oung minister was apt to plead 
For his mista!:es. 



1-1 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

He was one of the charter members 
Whose bright example kept alive embers, 
On the altar of many struggling souls 
Fanning to a bright flame the burning coals . 
Ever present in the hour of praj^er 
To aid, although he bore no public share. 
Was responsive to each call of duty. 
Plants of righteousness were things of beauty 
A.lwa\'s to him. 

In God's house not idle or a sleeper, 
Would work if 'twere only as docr-keepei, 
So zealous to advance the Master's cause, 
At duty's sacrifice he made no pause. 
In the pathway saw no roaring lion. 
An inviting road led up to Zion ; 
Would help to take the pilgrim's burden off, 
Turning away the sinner's jeer and scoff 
By kindl}' words. 

Amon^ the laurels nightingale may perch. 
But can«ot sing the triumpIis,of the church ; 
Wort'ny wife and husband departed twain, 
No tribu:* fit for song and sad refrain. 
Their strong attachment to the church relate 
Ere w^ork was done beyond the golden gate ; 
They need not earthly eulogy' or praise 
When beatific glory meets their gaze 
Around the throne. 



AlUlTi: ANNALS. 16 

K physician, half a century or more, 
Awaits summons to visit rich or poor; 
In time of need ready with good advice, 
And pious souls will gladly hear his voice. 
The sick for the healing of their bodies, 
Take medicine stronger than Irish toddies; 
Sometimes they were powerful burning drugs, 
And far warmer than any Persian rugs, 
To heat atid heal. 

We saw the funeral of this pastor, 
His form was thin like alabaster; 
That life so long, o'er ninety years of age. 
It is well worthy of historic page. 
Seventy j'ears had borne the shepard's crook, 
Preaching the truth from the inspired book. 
A large concourse respects the man of God, 
Btloved bj' all people was pastor Dodd 
For works of love. 

Blessed are the dead w^hich die in the Lord, 
Honor and praise e'en earth will men accord ; 
Their good works ai'e not buried in the dust 
They have a resurrection like the just. 
The promise is that they shall follow them 
And be stars in their future diadem; 
Thoughts cheer warriors till the battle's won, 
When heaven will crown their great well done 
With endless bliss. 



16 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

The annals of the Presbyterian's search 
Can't find more faithful one in all the church. 
Warriors must laj- clown their well worn-shields 
And others will soon occupy the fields. 
When at the sale of his choice, olden books, 
We scanned them o'er with critical looks, 
Obtained some from near reformation days. 
And they've received our study and our praise, 
And blessings were. 

These olden time Presbyterian preachers 
Were well versed, theological teachers; 
Some times Calvin swayed them very much : 
Methodists felt Wesley's and Fletcher's touch. 
In those stirring da\'s of polemic war 
Churches were separated very far. 
Could not pick flowers on the same heather; 
Their sheep were ne'er led by the same tether 
Wesley or Knox. 

Really time has foimd a better lever 
In Christian Societies of Endeavor 
Surpasses for building good cement 
That nature's quarry gives or men invent. 
Glad those old controversies are now dor;e. 
Can join the Master's prayer that all be one, 
And gather through the land the pious youth 
In noble rallv for the Gospel truth 
We love so much. 



AMITY ANNALS. 17 

Near by him dwelt a preacher, kind neighbor, 
Of their church, ready for any labor, 
That which was suited to his feeble strength 
His active ministry had ran its length. 
Feeling he had ended all his missions. 
He pleased himself with literary visions 
Of Israel's lost tribes where they had gone, 
What were the mighty wonders they had done 
In their new land ! 

In his time Spaulding chose a pastime work 
Not to write up vile harem of the Turk, 
Nor little thought of the mischief he would make, 
Shaking society with great earthquake, 
By bringing back old patriarchal times, 
With their ignorance and social crimes ; 
Was lost, like Cath'lics in their brevaries - 
Could not see outcome of his reveries 
To curse the world. 

No, he was innocent in his design; 
Ne'er thought faith and morals to undermine. 
How different 'twas from the truth he taught 
His work of fiction on the world has wrought. 
In quiet cemetery he reposes, 
While Morman church the wicked plan. discloso?s 
Proving to men the great calamity 
From literary child of Amity, 
A strange noveL 



18 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

But let us now describe this noted house : 
'Tis plain, like farmer ii) his jeans and blouse, 
For rain and sua have made it crack and warp, 
Winds have played it as an /?io!iaii harp. 
The roof has often received new shingles, 
Money supplied from where silver jingles — 
Silver out of the farmer-broker's chests. 
At eight per cent, he willingh' invests ; 
Ten is better. 

The only question, "is he a good man?" 
Interrogation for many a plan, 
A query at the entrance of the church, 
Important one that bank officials search. 
To know his full assets, their breadth and length 
Pastors seek moral character — its strength. 
To turn from paths of sin' so often trod, 
And scope for service in the church of God, 
All his talent. 

The pugilist seek men to take the ring; 
Physically the very best they bring ; 
Army by its strong men alone can thrive 
Above eighteen nor over forty-five. 
Goodness may be in character or blood 
All who for God and humanity have stood; 
Ail the men w^ho in the passing ages 
Have blessed society the sages 
With precepts true. 



AMITY ANNALS. 19 

Think how different was the early scene ; 
Some stand, others against the old porch lean, 
Attentive listeners to this book of chance, 
Of the wandering tribes a queer romance. 
Then think of crowd in temple at Salt Lake, 
Listening in reverence for the prophet's sake; 
Divinely sent they think their Joseph Smith, 
When only superstition's sacred myth — 
Bane of the age. 

We would not be in narrative minute, 
Nor injure any noble man's repute; 
But there are anecdotes we must relate, 
Which are like public property of State, 
Flowing down through long tradition. 
To gather them up a useful mission, 
Avoiding every unkind aspersion, 
Casting reflection on no person, 
We tell the tales. 

We quote from another pastor's diary 
Sparks of fun, meteors bright and fiery ; 
Those that led him to make the gleeful notes 
Were strange events which mirth promotes ; 
Where spirit is willing but flesh is weak, 
Of such a worthy brother we now speak. 
The more of flesh the harder 'tis to keep 
Clear of Morpheus and his chain of sleep, 
And one must fail. 



20 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

When preaching in middle of the discourse 
From Amen seats came sounds loud and hoarse; 
The breathings that imitate a lion's roar, 
Resolve themselves into a w^ell known snore. 
By some noise or gentle touch was shaken, 
He from a restful nap did then awaken, 
When looking 'round on the great commotion^ 
Seeing a dog was seized with the notion. 
Grabbed the cause. 

Passing down the isle like ship in sail, 
He held the pup by the tip of the tail. 
And casting him forth on the sodded earth, 
That he might extinguish the cause of mirth. 
A man of note more than a door-keeper, 
Watchful awake, but a noisy sleeper 
Pharoe's lean kine may be wakeful and fresh, 
'Tis not easy for one that carries much flesh, 
If Master asks. 

Was a most powerful man in prayer, 
Like a feather, he would carry care, 
Only the evil of the hour would lay 
The burden by, turn from dark clouds away. 
He never ran to meet coming sorrow. 
Hoping it would pass upon the morrow. 
The future was ever brightly shining 
With beautiful gold and silver lining, 
On his own path. 



AMITY ANNALS. 21 

With Amity's lormer pastor Patton, 
V^isited the Island of Manhatteu,- 
Hoping to cherish friendship forever, 
Saw Christian Convention of Endeavor. 
Twenty thousand in the Madison Square, 
And in the conclave took a silent share; 
What a change was that since our early days 
When we seldom joined in prayer and praise 
With the churches. 

The representatives from hill and vale. 
Like ships wafted by a favoring gale 
Into some great haven of hope or gain 
And there were many that crossed the main. 
Everywhere their enthusiam showed life, 
Amity sent the pastor and his wife 
Reminds of festivals on Zion's Mount, 
Of multitudes too numerous to count, 

^ Met for worship. .^ 

In the township was a Baptist deacon 
Stood forth as a pillar and a beacon ; 
A worthy man and a bright shinning light 
The young men would tease him, but not for spite. 
German names fit deacon and tormentor. 
The lad for fun was a smart inventor, 
Hence to embellish these rural papers, 
We will just now Patton his strange capers, 
From diary, 



22 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

Now for the sake of the well-known actors. 
We will omit names, not needed factors, 
E'en these incidents may recall the facts; 
For some are living who performed the acts. 
The church deacon owned a noble mare, 
In duty to the cause she bore a share, 
"Was always there with him on Sabbath day, 
No matter how deep were the mire and clay, 
She pulled through. 

It w^as hitched in grove near by the church, 
When the old man came out he made a search 
Around, but nowhere could see the po/i3', 
Among them all, the fat, the lean and bony. 
Transformed like linen by the fuller. 
Lost its identity with the color. 
Ah, no, it is not true my favored colt 
Has from my service made a speedy bolt^ 
Forever more. 

To pony comed3' man took a walk, 
Quietly wipped off the colored chalk. 
Then pony appeared in native dress, 
The deacon would criminal law suit press. 
Monday found the village squire, 
'Ere he recovered from his Sunday ire. 
Principal and accessories to act. 
All that joined in the roguish compact, 
He would sue them. 



AMITY ANNALS. 23 

He from the deacon did not stand aloof, 
Asked him to withdraw suit for lack of proof 
That he had entered 'gainst his neighbor boys, 
Their play as innocent as children's toj's. 
He might remember his own 3^outhful days 
Of fun, were not always filled with praise. 
For had they not their cheerful youthful ranks, 
Young blood will always be filled with pranks. 
So full of life. 

The old and young man made a covenant, 
But elder did the bargain soon repent ; 
The youth was to attend the Baptist Church, 
For pleasure in new paths make earnest search, 
Faithful to promise on the next Lord's day. 
We fear 'twas not to worship but to play, 
Amusing tricks at deacon's sad expense, 
Was relieved from bargain to go thence 
From deacon's pew. 

The one condition of the contract kept, 
It t'was the letter while the spirit slept 
He was to do what'ere the deacon done, 
Not thinking he could turn it all to fun. 
Seated b}- deacon one bright Sabbath morn 
After the serious charges were withdrawn. 
Conspicuous in the pious corner seat. 
Every movement of deacon to repeat, 
A source of mirth. 



24 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

The old man with his goggles green glasses, 
He would imitate his hand he passes, 
To bring out a pair their true counterpart, 
Each act of his was the lad's guiding chart. 
When they were adjusted takes up hymn book 
Mimicks church officer in word and look, 
Seeing his mimickry gave up the task. 
For fun he should not wear religious mask. 
In any place. 

What can be said of strange combination 
On land of promise, the tribe's salvation; 
In blasphemy they called it work of God, 
Brigham successor in his footsteps trod. 
Throwing the ignorant in confusion, 
Breaking domestic peace by delusion. 
Noted robbers, in their great pillage, 
Injured not like romance, of this village, 
A work so bad. 

In work, Spaulding, an innocent factor- 
Made way for America's great actor; 
And Smith, soon fell a victim to the mob 
In prison, with his life gave up the job. 
Soon came Young, a man of ruling power — 
A Moses to them in their darkest hour. 
To lead them through the wilderness to rest. 
From enemies, who on their footsteps pressed. 
Because of sin. 



AMITY ANNALS. 25 

Historians, from afar, oft seek the tomb, 
With vigor write, as for Morman's doom; 
The unfortunate grave received no care, 
The flat stone slab has suffered by the wear 
Of winter's frosts and summer's constant rains, 
It cannot now be read, with greatest pains. 
"When first we saw the name, could easily trace 
The inscription, which time since did erase, 
We would restore. 

And no proof can stop the sad delusion, 
Minds so ignorant are in confusion; 
Were led away to any rising cause. 
Leaders defy Devine and human laws. 
Impelled by lucre or baser lust, 
Yet in God, and righteous law, we trust, 
To crush the social venomous snake, 
Law soon its poisonous sting will take 
From Morman Church. 

We often meet with funny anecdotes 
They are wafted on air, like magpie notes; 
Some scenes in parsonage we now will tell : 
Truths, strange as fiction, may our pages swell. 
The revised Souvenir, to donble size. 
With those queer incidents, the people prize. 
In every place the old folk lore. 
Points out the bright pebbles, on life's shore. 
We can polish. 



26 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

On the creek hill was an open quarry, 
A capitalist farmer, I call Lawry; 
Merely for euphony, may coin the -word, 
Owner and worker, my anger stirred. 
Insisting that I stand beneath the stones, 
Said I would not for all the wealth he owns. 
Claimed that to family, small the loss. 
With one like me such joking makes one cross, 
'Tis personal. 

There was a sermon preached on fine gold. 
The steward often has the story told; 
His jeers upon the preacher never fail. 
He was one of the actors in the tale. 
"I counsel thee to buy gold tried in fire. 
That thou mayest be rich in bright attire." 
Asking him as steward for mj' money, 
Seemed inconsistant and so funny, 
"But men must live." 

There was a parsonage praj'cr-meeting. 
After our visual friendly greeting. 
Seeing that all a kindly welcome share, 
Service opened by reading and praj^er. 
The preacher seated by large window pane, 
From porch a massive dog would entrance gain, 
Like bound of a deer sprang toward the glass, 
Alarmed preacher jumped to let him pass. 
But he fell back. 



AMITY ANNALS. 27 

Worship of the evening sadly marred 
And their pious thoughts were all debarred ; 
The queer incident created laughter, 
Few solemn faces were found thereafter. 
Dominee could not check at once his fear, 
The noise and leaping brute would still appear; 
Veneration a noble purpose serves; 
But don't destroy the action of the nerves, 
We all are men. 

There came to the parsonage late one night 
A bridal pair, the girl attired so bright, 
But there was lack of brightness in their minds. 
Such a couple one scarcely ever finds. 
Unless they are pent up by the dozens, 
In love sweethearts by kin were cousins; 
But we refused them matrimonial ties, 
Kindly tried the reason to disguise. 
Feeling for them . 

We then recommended them to the squire. 
Gospel or law can tune the marriage lyre ; 
If in our judgement we were harsh and wrong. 
Squire could then unite them with legal song. 
Waters were deep, they could not cross the ford 
In hymenial veto in accord ; 
With preacher he sent them to another place. 
With unknown aldei-man the3^ found grace 
To tie the knot. 



28 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

Preaelier is unnerved in the first marriage, 
Like the bride and groom in word and carriage ; 
They tremble on the floor in this event, 
For 'tis a contract of great moment. 
He who ties the knot for the first time 
Is nervous as if guilty of some crime; 
Would then rather be with celebrated Shakers, 
Or in quiet worship with friends, the Quakers, 
Than on the floor. 

To commence a meeting for revival. 
Preacher must ignore self, fear no rival; 
Men suited to the work or those of note. 
The church will call by pressure or by vote, 
To all of which he must say an Amen , 
Although the plan prove false thrice and again 
Must give glory to men, not to the Lord, 
And with envious church be in sweet accord , 
For members rule. 

Even according to their strong request. 
Letters to all the worthies were addressed. 
Sending out the loud Macedonian cry 
To come over and help ere sinners die; 
To it they were as indifferent as Turk, 
Claiming enough to do w^ith their own work^ 
To avoid any unkind aspersion. 
The preacher visited some in person, 
To urge them come. 



AMITY ANNALS. 29 

Then to an adjoining county town 
A rivivalist to persuade run down, 
Lest he should bound aw^ay like fleeting deer, 
Expected on our visit the best cheer. 
We know, alas, how vain is human hope, 
So many enemies will jerk the rope. 
Ah, there we found him on a d3-ing bed. 
By over-work to that last couch was led, 
To rise no more. 

The salutation with us during life, 
Sad utterance of a sorrowing wife, 
For she saw her husband as a martyr, 
Nor from those sad thoughts could we part her. 
Said, "You're strong enough for all preaching," 
Yet mercy some we felt like beseeching. 
Loss of husband and son were Marra lake. 
She was soon to drink. Chiding part we take 
For all the church. 

All through the efforts, we were left alone 
Field to be broken up, and the seed sown; 
For many hearts lay out in fallow ground 
That yielded when the plowshare passed around. 
More good came than expected by home force. 
We talked, prayed and sung till hoarse; 
For two weeks church bore incessant toil. 
Hard as a rock, they could not break the soil, 
'Till rain came down. 



80 



VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 



An that night there came a gracious dower, 
God was present in converting power; 
Seeking souls were into the kingdom born 
On that day of grace, with glorious morn, 
Whose skies were bright with a sunrise glory 
From Son of Righteousness; the story 
Is for all the world ; who worship this sun 
Do not, like magie, ito idolatry run. 
But worship God. 

Sadness and joy we mingle with these scenes, 
As the reminiscences of war one gleans ; 
In narrative we are apt to falter. 
Thinking of those kneeling at the altar; 
Penitents in agony of prayer, 
Like publican in mercy, they might share 
From high heaven, God's justifj'ing grace; 
Where as good soldiers, run the Christian race, 
And gain the crown. 

For life, pain seems the order of the earth, 
So sin exacts it in the Christian birth ; 
Not with regrets, that they were there in sorrow, 
Knowing they found peace upon the morrow 
But retrospecting at this distant day. 
Think of many death has called away ; 
Men in early prime, life to country gave. 
In peril's hour, its liberty to save, 
A noble gift. 



AMITY ANNALS. 31 

News came the gospel word had entrance made, 
The watch-word, onward, by the Saviour's aid; 
Scripture text, "Thou almost persuadest me 
To be a Christian and forever free," 
Rang in their ears until chains were broken 
And pardon to many souls was spoken. 
When the word of God was no longer void. 
Those feeble means thechurch had long employed, 
Were a success. 

All cherished theories are laid aside 
For a success borne on the swelling tide, 
Bringing to port with outspread sail. 
Wafted homeward by constant fanning gale. 
Awaiting welcome load of pearls and gems 
Like luscious fruit on newly broken stems 
From the distant tropic climes, vip Gulf Stream, 
Sweeter than ordor of orange, fig or limes. 
That we enjoy. 

They confessed more than Agrippa king. 
A living sacrifice themselves they'd bring 
To God now and never more to falter. 
Placing all they had npon the altar. 
Since the spirit had found them for the search \ 
They would be earnest workers in the church. 
Contribute labor and means their full might, 
As soldiers of Christ a successful fight. 
And glory win. 



32 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

Noah was in this meeting a power, 
His words came forth like a refreshing shower; 
Ready with prayer or extortation 
From native talent flowed the oi'ation. 
Touched by the Spirit's warm effusion, 
Freer than a scholar from confusion, 
More eloquent than Seminole chieftan 
'Gainst foes the cause of God he could maintain, 
Noble soldier. 

His mental powers were almost equal 
To his size, as you may learn in sequel; 
He was not a man renowned for letters, 
Yet original, he knew no fetters. 
More free than those that occupied the stand 
His flight in exhortations were so grand, 
Sentences came free— he did not mutter — 
There was mighty power with Brother Clutter, 
Sublime and grand. 

One exhortation, a mental survival, 
Comes from eighteen-fifty-nine revival ; 
"Glory to God," with a triumphant voice, 
Called the people, with angles to rejoice. 
Sinners w^ere fleeing from the judgment rod, 
And seeking safety in the arms of God ; 
For on salvation they were fully bent, 
And broken hearts to penitence gave vent, 
Asking mercv. 



AMITY ANNALS. 33 

Some with fever from Appomattox swamps, 
Returned to die at home, far from the camps, 
Where miasma rested, a heavy pall. 
And Death's sickle made the bravest fall. 
We recall a victim — Bro. Hathaway — 
Other names from memory fad awa3' ; 
Our friend, the captain, the village teacher ; 
His worth was known by his former preacher, 
Who lov'd him much. 

Who little thought when he was delegate. 
That at late day we should these truths relate, 
Or might ever be village annalist. 
Or in the requiem our friends assist ; 
Our weeping joined with pastorial function, 
And weep in tenderness with those that weep ; 
Kindred for the dead constant vigil keep. 
Mingled with tears. 

The friends who left us in our early days, 
Upon their manly forms no more we gaze, 
We've tablets on these human hearts of flesh, 
Where noble men and deeds are always fresh ; 
We'll recall such memories wher'er we roam, 
As welcome guests so often at his home ; 
Remember many others in that church 
Who died for their comitry— in vain the search 
For nobler msn. 



34 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

Bore deep, there is wealth towards the center, 
Whenever capital makes the venture. 
Less than two thousand feet under surface, 
Minerals of coal, oil and gas you trace. 
Encircled by mud and National pikes. 
Carnegie Gas Company made great strikes 
Upon the homesteads of Amwell farmers, 
To make dowers for the rural charmers ; 
They are prizes. 

The young drillers sought their loving glances; 
(Flowing wells the fair prize still enchances) 
Audience sought. Who would be the usher 
To the maiden heiress through gas gusher? 
A workman that could pierce earth's deep pillars 
Is one of the most successful drillers ; 
Seeks now to penetrate the human heart, 
La3's by the drill for Cupid's known dart 
To find love's fount. 

The drill, a great modern explorer. 
Goes through sand and rock to find a roarer, 
And from the bowels of prolific earth 
To great promises of wealth gives birth : 
Opening closed rivers of carbon oil. 
Rewarding well the sturdy sons of toil; 
Or giving to all superfine fuel 
To roast the turkey or boil the gruel 
P'or the sick ones. 



AMITY ANNALS. 35 

The first gas struck, from Amity one mile, 
Farmers neglected ; it their usual style 
To venture slowly. They must still use coal 
Inferior or brought with heavy toll 
By rail. We saw their folly at a glance, 
With bright vision could not them entrance; 
They must cling to their old fogy ways ; 
They hauled coal from Pin-nook in other days 
Through deepest mud. 

Some of our soldier boys owned the well ; 
At first, on moderate terms, would lease or sell; 
But the gas burning, in waste neglected, 
Till by the Carnegies 'twas inspected. 
Capital despised came to the rescue, 
From which great benefits the country drew. 
Those men of means, that labor fiercel3', fought 
As if their acts maliciously were wrought 
To curse mankind. 

We return again to our loved stream- 
Rivulets have long been a poet's theme, 
For Wordsworth sang about the Yarrow, 
It gave to his song both life and marrow ; 
And yet he sings of Shakespeare's Avon, 
Sweet as Edgar Poe about the raven, 
Or Bobby Burns' sang of the Bonny Doon, 
Like the tribute given to old Ayer town. 
In early days. 



36 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

Times were when we picked the luscious berries 
Black and large like Mayduke cherries ; 
Tasting far better than the cultured ones, 
Like self-made men — nature's own giant sons, 
In all the laud, through colleges you hunt. 
No greater men can you bring to the front ; 
Their range is sweeping like the mighty guns ; 
In public, Lincolns, science, Edisons, 
That take the palm. 

On the banks were abundant alders, too. 
The little berries gently waved in view ; 
By many they were quietly ignored. 
But by others dried and stored — 
The great resource of house-maids' future pies,^ 
To hungry preacher often welcome prize, 
When a long ride brought craving appetite, 
And the spring chicken was still out of sight. 
Until the night. 

Elderberries remind of youthful days, 
When to be English was no cause for praise. 
The boys had then no use for foreign stock — 
That mishap brought many a r>avage knock — 
They delighted to whip Johnny Bull, 
And his cup of sorrow was ever full. 
If one could not whip him well and squarel^v, 
It must be done, although done unfairly. 
For Yankee brag. 



AMITY ANNALS. 37 

*Twas then the\' made of them a selling wine, 
In the distillery boys fell in line 
To pick and clean the berries from the stems ; 
And all those youth were hopeful Yankee gems. 
In conspiracy together huddled, 
While the boss with apple-jack was muddled ; 
For they were bent on woe for the British boy ; 
Father ne'er knew they kicked me like a toy 
On baseball ground. 

Nor would sire listen to my truthful tale. 
For so many voices, like ocean gale, 
Then swept me awaj' from the picking works ; 
They acted more cruel than any Turks. 
That was before>the native party rose, 
I encountered those unfeeling foes. 
Now foreigners have gained the garrison. 
In ninety-two have put out Harrison 
By Democrats. 

Those desperadoes, by the name of Jones, 
With hearts as hard as any granite stones. 
One for moncA', murdered their own kin. 
And paid the full penalty of sin : 
They were a family of noted thugs, 
Fuller of sin than their own whiskey jugs 
Of crimes against all divine and human law, 
Viler than vulture or jackdaw, 
Sneaking vipers. 



38 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

The surviving brother and his vile crew, 
When dark night had hidden every view, 
Upon the school-howse made a midnight raid. 
They were ready the farm-house to invade ; 
Far and near it was the reputed bank 
For loans to honest men of every rank, 
To aid the farmer exemption with loan, 
Until by strife he made the farm his own. 
The mortgage paid. 

On the creek within sight of this high house, 
Three brothers worked in their jeans and blouse* 
In that place and day called very rich, 
By loans could lift strugglingpoor men from ditch^ 
They were worth seventy-five thousand each ; 
Borrowers from a great distance would reach 
For ample funds the well known mone}' mart. 
By want the motive, and through hope the chart,. 
That brought them there. 

The Jones sister said about her brother: 
(Both were a disgrace to any mother) 
"He'd kill a man for less than five dollars." 
In murder and theft all were apt scholars. 
Then she was not uttering a mere cant. 
Who had killed both her uncle and aunt, 
That night they failed in their jobbery, 
Frightened from the blood or robbery 
By visitors. 



AMITY ANNALS. 39 

The farmers opened up an Indian mound, 
Where many savage implements were found ; 
Axes and arrow points were made of stones, 
Quiet cruel looking like family of Jones ; 
Savage but were not to their own tribes, 
More weapons not used by any bribes 
At home were held as instruments of war, 
Often carried over the trail quite far 
By the young braves. 

These ancient relics of another race, 
Where only savagery we can trace, 
Were found some j-ears before the soldiers left ; 
Like a great treasure from dark cave or cleft 
Gave an interest in those times of peace, 
Like Roman augurers from sacred geese 
Their flight. What meant those tools of flint ? 
Could sage devise or give a distant hint 
To rural folk? 

We ask in vain the story of these stones. 
That were buried with the warriors' bones ; 
For centuries enclosed, beneath the mound. 
These ancient treasures, which the children found. 
O, for the Indian lore, the dictum 
Of love's story and w^ars cruel victim. 
Even the true tale of that arrow point ; 
Did it ever pierce English fl.esh and joint. 
And lav one* low? 



40 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

See that long stone; looks like a wai-like blade, 
Scalping knife, from many a savage raid, 
Flourished in their olden tribal wars, 
By light of moon or the glimmering stars; 
The vast numbers that knife has uncrowned, 
Under hand as cruel as the blood-hound ! 
Their wars knew neither justice or compassion 
Like a sweeping whirlwind w^as their passion 
For human blood. 

There's one civilized tool, the battle adz. 
Was used to cut the fire-wood by the lads 
To heat the tent and roast the yellow corn. 
Or cook the scanty meal at early morn. 
Although we do miss again at guessing, 
May not the boys do kind acts, caressing 
Objects of choice, liveh^ little squaws, 
And let war weapons fill the old braves' paws, 
For the w^ar piith ? 

War gleans entire neighborhood and village, 
Sweeping like an army in its pillage; 
Leaving w^oman, children and the feeble, 
And some secret foes, not so agreeable, 
On retarding the cause, entirely bent. 
Yet feeble efforts all in vain wei-e spent. 
Patriotism dwelt in hearts commodious. 
Made treason of little souls seem odious — 
Blacker than night. 



AMITY ANNALS. 4:1 

For many men toil, like Stanley's rear guard, 
To find the lost, and save, its full reward, 
Seeking the country's unity, the release 
Of bondmen, speedy war and lasting peace; 
Soon to enjoy the shelter of home roof, 
And from all warlike strife to stand aloof 
With nightingales join in peaceful lay. 
For the soldier's release in blue and gray. 
To sing "sweet home." 

'Tis a grand uprising of the people, 
Sweeter than music from chimes of steeple; 
Sounds rise like flight of eagle or balloon. 
An universal, patriotic boon; 
From every village and inland station 
Ascends the cry, "Will save the nation 
From secession," and all their well-laid plots 
Shall only end in smoke bj' cannon shots 
From willing hands. 

And why are people making such ado ? 
They fight like Australitz or Waterloo ; 
Make battles to grave on page of fame, 
Yes, Gettysbui-g well deserves undying name. 
The battles of Wilderness and Fair Oaks, 
Pounding the hub to break the wagon spokes 
Of treason's commissary of supplies, 
That out of the debris caged eagle rise, 
Screaming pardon. 



42 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

Ere the momentous hour comes to us all, 
With grief villagers hear the last roll-call, 
Up the main street see company ascend ; 
Our voices in the great huzzas we blend. 
Drained of her men— a war calamity — 
Cheers followed through the streets of Amity,, 
From relatives and friends they left behind, 
To some the last farewell that came to mind, 
Whose echo sounded. 

The living ones, subjects of anxious care, 
Those Vv'ho our safety have so dearly bought, 
Their welfare during the declining years; 
Should find kind friends to wipe a way their tears, 
To bear them often into life's sunshine, 
And bind their hearts, like tree by clinging vine, 
Which sends forth 'mid decay vigorous sprouts. 
Reaching for victory like army scouts. 
Ere battle comes. 

What lacked Reeves yet.'' Father's full consent. 
Maiden would plan on it; entirely bent 
In family worship bore willing share, 
Leading service. So formed the prayer. 
When sire responded in loud amen 
To God's will, l)y wittj"- words was caught then; 
And, perhaps, he ought not to be pitied, 
Although much like Laban, far outwitted. 
In Jacob's deal. 



AMITY ANNALS. 45 

Love 'neath piety found a cover, 
Pra3^er e'en then secured the lover ; 
Not just from "Father which is in heaven," 
The earthly one had felt the leaven 
From a daughter's plea ; for him intended, 
Petitions for earth and heaven blended. 
As pious incense for the courts above, 
To win both fathers, answering love 
In kind consent. 

Unbelief would eat away like cancer ; 
Here we see a true and tender answer. 
Earth and heaven join and complete the joy 
To secure the wandering preacher boy. 
Though ocean rolls its billows now between 
Two lovers. Wedding day will soon be seen,. 
For o'er the distant wave the spreading sail 
Will ope' its folds to gather the gentle gale, 
To bear her hence. 

For then a woman's courage must be great. 
To leave her kin and be a preacher's mate, 
Thro' love of him, and for the gospel's sake, 
A confidence, that trials cannot shake, 
Philanthropy and diviue love supreme, 
Salvation is the song, the ruling theme; 
Under its guidance are those lives sublime, 
They are blessings in any land or clime, 
Workers with God. 



4-4 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

He oft told us of his bachelor life, 
While waiting patiently for coming wife ; 
Not as apt as Chinese laundry scholars, 
But washed quite well the shirts and collars, 
Also his small supply of underwear; 
An obscure site to laundry was his care, 
Like European women, chose a stream. 
Would wash them, to dry amid doze and dream, 
Read}' to start. 

He, like the Irish, ran ■ private mangle, 
With v/asherwoman need never wrangle 
About the job, or yet dispute the price. 
For his own poverty had made the choice. 
Do 3'ou ask, "How was the ironing done ? 
By steam or horse-power was the machine run?" 
Preacher his canoe must always paddle. 
Would mangle it between self and saddle 
By horse-power. 

Ask, why did not kind sisters do these jobs ? 
Then preachers wore no jewelry or fobs. 
Too poor was he to own an extra change — 
Must wait till after wash to re -arrange. 
Doctor Brown, says we, make feather beds, 
Downy pillows, where the boys la_v their heads; 
Treat not the old like cigars or shoes, . - stogies 
Worthy of contemp— the fathers, only fogies, 
Now cast aside. 



AMITY ANNALS. 45- 

The mental powers of the departed 
Had prominence, like the mountains charted 
On a good map of beautiful landscape, 
Where objects are in order and in shape. 
The greateness of mind, like towering trees, 
May meet the storm, while dwarfs but feel the 

breeze, 
A.nd all is quiet on those lower planes. 
When tempest robs the oak of all its gains. 

So preacher fails. 

The*i, to be English in those early days. 
Made a fit subject for contemptuous gaze. 
Americans kept home., still untraveled. 
Old world mysteries were unraveled, 
The Atlantic horizon bounded ken; 
Rapheal de Vinci, Angelo, such men. 
Were not subjects of their praise and strictures, 
Ne'er gazing on their statues or pictures. 
They knew not art. 

There is now a different state of things. 
Like the swift pendulum that swings 
In line from side to side to measure time. 
So true and excellent of every clime; 
No longer we hear exclusive stories. 
Flowers of all lands may show their glories, 
The tropics may send their various fruits, 
Italian charm with melody of lutes 
For our pleasure. 



46 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

His wife, well known as lady preacher, 
Then from many churches call wouM reach her. 
They accuse women of verbositj', 
Yet will gratify their curiosity, 
So anxious to hear women sermonize, 
That on their future the^' ma}' theorize ; 
What rights the chnrch should j^et extend, 
Where innovations on old relm will end, 
Thf}' ask the church. 

They had a mutual understanding, 
Which should direct helm, the ship commanding 
That neither captain, pilot or the mate 
Should use the ship in seeking to be great. 
The couple busy as steamer stokers. 
On the ship, Zion, were true co-workers; 
Doing duty like brave women and men 
By Bible compass, till havens in ken. 
They've anchored bark. 

It is not an old issue we confront. 
Buried like some city that felt the brunt 
Earthquake, volcanic conflagration. 
Periodic fire in church and nation 
Even a ghost like Hamlet's will not down ; 
Seeking women's rights, w^ork path of renown, 
Objectors say the work is far too coarse, 
Nor do all men succeed by brutal force; 
Why should woman? 



AMITY ANNALS. 47 

-As many queries in the mind revolve, 
The sufferage question is so hard to solve, 
We do not mean that she should merely vote, 
'Tis in some eyes a microscopic mote : 
Things that radiate around the center 
Make the people fearful of the venture. 
Yet the farmer will tear down old fences, 
That fail him, regardless of expenses. 
For new patents. 

To bachelors and widowers 'tis rife, 
Would such a woman make a better wife. 
Fitter for hymenial work or feasts, 
Or be like nuns, monks or celebate priests ? 
Is she an orb just for domestic spheres, 
A fire and light no other circle cheers, 
Conferring light, family sun that shines 
Like the dim light that flickers m the mines 
On diggers' caps ? 

In matrimony we are led by taste ; 
Prejudice sticks like mucilage or paste, 
Makes it prominent as are theater bills, 
Pictures of pugilists in bloody mills, 
Or in love scenes; and murder attitudes, 
The vile figures and worn out platitudes ; 
Our prejudices may not be so vile, 
Yet send women into lonely exile, 
Away from love. 



i8 VILLAGrE SOUVENIR. 

Hannah's husband, a true logician, 
Among expositors held posit-'-^n ; 
Theologian, strong in argument. 
Others smoother things would oft invent ^ 
But his were the heavy strokes on anvil 
That moulded men ; his the ponderous w'*l 
Which forged arguments, mighty levers, 
Lifting doubt, and making strong believe-'s 
In God and man. 

Many hearers called his sermons heavy : 
Reason to some is too great a levy 
Title to attach, vain the Sheriff's writ 
When there's no property. Wisdom and wit 
Are deputized, return empty handed. 
Truth shattered by the rocks and stranded, 
Or rolling off, sinks to the deep abyss ; 
The holy dove, the messenger of bliss, 
Returns to God. 

Brother Reeves, in advance of his people. 
Near them, then like bird above the steeple 
Dropping nuts; some could not find the kernel. 
Account of things divine, and those infernal ; 
On sin and foil}' strong were his strictures ; 
Of avarice he drew hideous pictures — 
No doubt 'twas one of their besetting sins — 
Forgot the poor with their full cribs and bins; 
Soul take thine case. 



AMITY ANNALa. 49 

We will give one of his terse expressions; 
"Based on sight or their own confessions: 
Man}^ will have idols, if but corn-stalks; 
Some of you worship them, j^our daih^ walks 
Show avarice, gain your ruling passion ; 
The theme is greed, ever in the fashion 
No si:i,bject greater than the coming crop ; 
At store, blacksmith or cordwainers shop 
It is the talk. 

As the artists make the different shoes, 
Farmer and broker then retail the news, 
The clip of w^ool, or price of corn and oats; 
What good men ! yet need money on their notes 
Pond of the gains, as gamblers ever were. 
Quick as three monte men to grab the lucre; 
From the vile path of mammon that they trod, 
Took a loud call to bring them back to God. 
To the straight way. 

In those dark days our brother sowed the seeds 
Amid the fields o'ergrown with evil weeds, 
To rest for years in ground hard like fallow, 
Where preachers plowed it only shallov/, 
Deep, as if by rich Nile it w^ere baptised, 
Down plow-share, it must be pulverized. 
By air and rain from greater depths is cast ; 
"8.ich soils upheaved are treasiires of the past, 
To be our sheaves. 



50 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

In j'outh he remembered his Creator, 
The father's love. He saw nothing greater, 
Yet would pi-each of Hades, Hell or Tophet, 
For he was Amity's greater prophet ; 
Like Daniel, Isaiah, the greater ones. 
Prophets in Jewish church, her faithful sons; 
True men, w^ere not received Avith open arms. 
Prophesy smooth things; only they have charmi 
That delight us. 

Kindly treat the memory of pastors, 
Making none author of disasters. 
The church had prophets greater and minor, 
Such as the conference could assign her; 
Sure in Israel were the faithful sons, 
Pointing the right way as traveler runs ; 
So here were good men of divers talent, 
E'en to draw a line would be ungallant 
Among true men. 

Bible names may show a prophet Joel, 
Other men that strive to reach the goal; 
Bad inferences would not become us. 
For doubt is not always with a Thomas ; 
"A rose may smell as sweet by any name," 
Yet sweetness would soon give it highest claim ; 
The laborer that works with all his might 
Will find darkness and joy give way to light 
With great reward. 



AMITY ANNALS. 51 

'The poems here at home, who'll write 'em uown, 
Jes' as they are in country and in town ? 
Thus writes the poet, Jame-. Whitcomb Riley; 
The job for Am well, we try it shyly, 
To speak of men, the beauty of her groves. 
The creek, its fish, and all its little coves ; 
In meadows, those flower bedecked meads, 
The bird of song with silent nature pleads 
For human praise. 

Such scenes, fit for a Ramsay or a Burns, 
Should not be lost to sight in obscure urns; 
Far better hear a rural limping song 
Than let them join oblivion's vast throng. 
Like Indian tools, covered in the mounds, 
When ample fact and fancy still abounds 
To bring those noble men and things to light, 
The meteors and stars that shine so bright 
On our pathwav. 

This couple has secured full attention : 
There are other worthies we must mention. 
On their social powers a parting word, 
About welfare of church were gladly heard ; 
They werekindtotheyoung, struggling preacher; 
She was motherly, complaints would reach her. 
Once she gave me a piece of golden coin. 
It was prized more than gem of richest mine 
By the rich ones. 



52 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

Like little posies mid the running vines 
Are christian graces which the heart inclines, 
To shed jo\'Ous fragrance o'er the world, 
Tho' modest as the flower that's curled 
By the bright sun, mean time would soor promote 
To place through church, or yet by college vote; 
And we desire to deal with them fairly ; 
" A man is a man for all that," squarely 
Would treat merit. 

But there are names that are historic. 
Stones more valuable than those meteoric, 
In war and letters have important place, 
Their well earned fame in history trace ; 
And there we find the industrious Scott, 
Author of many a famous plot ; 
Depicting truth in pious Jenn\' Dean ; 
To virtue, poetry and romance lean, _ 
And we have Scott. 

And Wallace the Scotish patriot, bled. 
His heart in Alelrose, also Bruce's head, 
Are buried 'neath the Abbey arches. 
While love of liberty in its marches 
Gave to the Pilgrim Fathers this great land. 
To us, from Atlantic wave to Pacific strand; 
If our Wallace wielded the spirit's sword. 
His work will not perish, like Jonah's gcnrd 
Will yet shelter. 



AMITY ANNALS, 53 

Goldsmith has but one parson oh tapis; 
We have several that can't escape us. 
Htr treated well the vicar of Wakefield, 
And manv a lesson did he 3'ield. 
Then, in his "Deserted Village," the story 
Brovight the obscure parson into glory. 
But our parsons are more numerovis ; 
Some were sedate, some, like Swift, humorous ; 
Each had talent. 

The\''d lay "Old man, Sin," upon a stretcher, 
Kill him, preaching holiness like Fletcher, 
Oft forgetting sinners, the onh"- race 
Was perfect love for satisf3^ing grace ; 
This ye should do, nor. leave .« other undone ; 
So says the Teacher, God's well beloved son. 
Earnest and good mqn, like Brother Dyer, 
O'erlooked the mire and clay, reaching for fire 
That sanctifies. 

With others a new heaven and new earth. 
Millennium glory the only worth 
Should occupy the heart and fill the theme, 
Of each discourse, of preaching be the cream 
Skimmed from every doctrin*^; the great truth 
To solace age and to instruct tl e youth. 
Pious and ambitious, pilgrim trudges 
Tbt hard road ; ere long he'll join the judges 
O'er persecutors. 



54 



VILLEGE SOUVENIR. 



Learning religion's hand-maid, men mocked her, 
With her college titles, master, doctor; 
Effort to make men wise, and stamp them great 
Self-important ones will still underrate. 
Those that refuse ere long deplore the loss, 
Because with her they would sustain the cross 
Against arguments of boasting unbelief; 
From Celsus, Paine or Volney give relief; 
Deception show. 

Brother Scott, the pastor, not a doctor then 
(In Washington he joined the titled men). 
The church had a blessing or calamity. 
Pastor deserted them in Amit3^ 
I'm not a judge to sit upon the bench, 
And to condemn deserting pastor French ; 
But believe he took of them French leave; 
Brother Scott divided time — a part to give 
With Washington. 

A ten mile ride o'er muddy road, a task 
For little pay, w^as very much to ask ; 
Through poverty and mud men oft must plod. 
No other motive than the love of God. 
Words were oft spoken like persimmons tart. 
For years they left upon the soul a smart, 
Not soft -toned, like southern auntie s honey, 
But bitter charge, jjreachers work for money ; 
Will air keep them '■' 



AMITY ANNALS. 55 

Our memory those noble men extols. 
For days of doubt and conflict try the souls, 
Furnaces refining gold from base dross, 
And pruning heroes that stand bj^ the cross. 
Showing the world many a good omen, 
That men can stand like Calvary's women, 
Near by the cross in time of danger, 
As true to it as Bethlehem's manger; 
Both were for all. 

The church roll had about thirty members ; 
The fires were low, the smouldering embers 
Were hard to fan again to fervent flame. 
Causes of declension we cannotname; 
But doubt and darkness did the cause o'erwhelm. 
Hopecame when pastor Scott assumed the helm; 
We were o'ershadow^ed by a powerful church, 
With piety and talent envy could not smirch ; 
Our race seemed vain. 

Their names, like apostolic twelve, 
Men of worth our annals could not shelve; 
There was Sealy Baldwin, long since departed, 
Lover of church, kind and open-hearted, 
Entered ministry, not long to labor, 
With visions bright, like those on Tabor, 
His true friendship God would soon deny us ; 
Then to dwell with Moses and Eflias 
On higher mount. 



56 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

The church by many trials was perplexed ; 
They ma}' have chosen for the golden text, 
"Zion despise not the day of small things." 
"Shall reap, if ye faint not," assurance brings. 
Their progress is worthy of an anthem, 
Like Japan flower, the great chr^^santhemum 
Was so very small in its beginnings, 
Fine variety is from constant winnings ; 
So with the church. 

It had long been a matter of dispute 
About the temples, and some would refute 
That idea. On Mount Zion there were throe; 
The second was remodeled ; some agree 
That Solomon's all others did surpass. 
Old men that saw the second cried, "Alas;" 
The beauty of the first told the story 
Of the house, the sacrifices, it*} '^Vs^-f 
And worshipers. 

We ask does Herod a new temple build, 
Or old one repair, beautify and guild ? 
Temple, glory of thy promise greater, 
Then to be revised by Jesus later; 
Thiue offerings forerunners, and his types 
W^ere pointing to his ignominious stripes ; 
Sacrifice 'pointed by the great I AM, 
The ordained type of him, the Paschal Lamb 
For all our sins. 



AMITY ANNALS. 57 

'Twas there Jesus taught his power made knows 
To cheer, removing sorrows, pain and groan, 
Forgiving sin to all that sought the rest, 
Those penitent to the Master pressed, 
That heard the gracious call, "Come unto me,," 
Were from bodily malady made free ; 
Also disciples at the temple gate, 
Where the poor and suffering ones await 
Some gift from man. 

The old log church, Presbyterian pioneer, 
Was bought at sum none could think dear, 
The building entire for fifty dollars ; 
Then economy had many scholars. 
Upon the pews no ownership put tabs, 
The3^ were quite free if only made of slabs; 
True the\' were ver3^ tr^-ing on the Iiack, 
But they could not wear out the silken sacqut 
Silks were lacking. 

ManA- wrong impressions one believes, 
So like our mistake about President Reeves*, 
Were quite certain he had been their pastorj 
The more we wrote, the idea stuck faster, 
Until viewing the records ; then the list 
Showed that the worthy name was missed 
Was president, living in the village; 
Had the entire district under tillage 
By the preachers. 



58 



VILLEGE SOUVEMH. 



Truth should be worn like a precif>us locket, 
With the good advice of David Crocket' 
Adage, " Know you are right, then go ahead." 
The gospel seed wide o'er the furrows spread, 
Sinking in earth, dj-ing to rise again. 
That nature may give bread to hungry men, 
Rewarding laborers with heavy sheaves; 
So gospel harvesters with Brother Reeves 
Worked the fields. 

He had preached so much for the little church, 
We thought him pastor, until recent search 
Showed the condition of those former things ; 
Then notion fell like bird from broken wings. 
Sister Reeves oft made the old building ring 
With gospel promise, or v%'ith threats that sting 
The guilty conscience, until sinner pleads 
With Christ for mercy. He who intercedes 
At God's right hand. 

The church was formed in eighteen thirty-one, 
'Mid many obstacles, deterred by none; 
Though prospects were gloomy and patrons few. 
Those worthies walked by faith and not by view. 
'Twas in the old log house of Brother lames, 
Distant from city church and belfry chimes, 
Obscure like a queen bee in little hive, 
Despise it not, for it will surely thrive 
As time goes on. 



AMITY ANNALS. 59 

The Presbyterians were much surprised 
That a Methodist church was organized ; 
It was far smaller than the ancient ark, 
Than Noah's ancient craft, the floating barque, 
Whose passengers were family of eight, 
So very long denied a landscape sight ; 
Floating o'er waters till the olive branch 
Was brought b3^ dove to window; vessel staunch 
Outrode the flood. 

It was not the pomp of architecture. 
Or any subjects of mere conjecture' 
They fed upon, but those great. Bible themes 
Which gave the life. Their daily walk, it seems. 
Was guided b}-^ the precepts of God's word. 
Like soldiers by battle trumpet stirred, 
Soon were equipped in w^arlike manner. 
To do or die 'ntath the captain's banner, 
Soilders of Christ. 

But now 'tis said, we cannot draw the crowd, 
Ere the church finds the trappings of the proud, 
These charms the wanderers will oft elude 
And gather in the waiting multitude. 
The stained window and Gothic architrave, 
Or eloquence or music, they must save. 
Is it so in Milan, or yet Cologne ? 
There's no saving power in marble, stone ; 
The gospel saves. 



60 VILL.IGE SOUVENIR. 

E'en the pulpit was of the olden style, 
Above the people, free from modern gui'e ; 
Though shaping life by the square and bevel, 
The preachers must find a higher level. 
Where they could see to draw the gospel bow, 
That arrows to the sinners' heart might go ; 
Under the pow-er of great conviction. 
Then the devil undergoes eviction 
As bad tenant. 

Beneath that high pulpit was a closet. 
For lost articles a safe deposit. 
One Sunday evening came some stirring boys, 
(Forplay and mischief like thornsarein theirjoys; 
In danger pick berries and the roses; 
It oft-times an honest heart discloses) 
Disturbed ere the\- w^ere through with their fun, 
Into the pulpit closet they must run 
To be unseen. 

They could not close the door for lack of air ; 
Seeing it partly open, with great care 
A brother closed it. They could not stand 
The pressure. Now out in the street to land 
Was the great matter. Then came the loud groans; 
The congregation wondered about the moans, 
When like timid rabbits from the stone fence, 
One made a jump and escaped from thence, 
Others followed. 



AMITY ANNALS. 61 

We had a meeting for ''-, . First Church last night 
To see what lots and buildings would be right 
To meet our wants in compass of our means, 
Upon our property to place no liens. 
Income can't meet in five and twenty years, 
One hundred and sixt3^ thousand appears 
The limit we can reach in given time ; 
If fift\'-thousand church ^von'fc chime, 
Subscriptions must. 

Thousand for one of Amitj^'s old logs; 
Yet they think we are groping in dense fogs, 
To build near Shady side with such a sum ; 
That our prosperity will never come. 
O'er shadowed by a grander building; 
Like sugar-coated pill, gospel guilding 
For the sinners will send it freely down, 
And cleanse from soles of feet to upper crown 
Both head and heart. 

We have seen magnificence in brick and stone, 
In cathedrals of Rome, Milan, Cologne; 
They ma^^ give rise to an aesthetic taste, 
But pious worshiper retiring chaste. 
Is not dependent on such earthly things ; 
Glory to God in any building sings; 
He prizes Master builder. Living stones 
Are more precious than marble sculpture owns 
With great designs. 



62 



VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 



Tlie newly purchased Bidwell Street lot 
To manj^ ministers is hallowed spot; 
For years there dwelt one of our noble men, 
Gave aid to charity with purse or pen, 
In political econom3'- well versed. 
To him the needs of churcn were oft rehearsed, 
We visited him for aid to a new church, 
Then, after he had made a proper search, 
Gave five hundred. 

But now we will some anecdotes relate, 
A.f> the Amity names we may not state, 
Though given to us. They had queer preachers, 
Not at all times the reliant teachers; 
The model men the church and world hold dear. 
But those wdicse piety was strained and queer, 
The accusers of their brethren's good name. 
Would cast on characters an odious blame 
By aspersion. 

Oral or written diaries reward search, 
"When David Jones w^as pastor of that church, 
We find . great revival and the result 
Of faithful effort. Those that will consult 
The records find that anecdotes appear; 
That then was human nature very queer, 
Interest in the meeting was so great ; 
Two services in day and night till late. 
For altar work. 



AMITY ANNALS. 

Noah was there upon the mountain top, 
Like namesake before the wine made him flop. 
Patriarch wanted to obtain some pork, 
That his children might work with knife and fork, 
Never thinking in need he'd be forsaken, 
That trade or credit w^ould not get the bacon ! 
'Twas a disciple, but not the apostle John ; 
Good bargain more than love he doted on, 
And pork was high. 

Whether tender was cash, credit or shoes 
We can't tell, but offer he did refuse ; 
Market was high and pork was in demand. 
Against the sale he took decided stand. 
Facts of moment are often obscure scenes; 
Not like the sv/ine of the Gadarenes, 
For the hogs and owners were very queer; 
Leads us to ask were there any devils near 
Tho^e Amw^ell swine. 

He alwa^'S left companion in the lurch, 
Like a screaming owl on the highest perch, 
Which drowns the voice of songster dovv^n below. 
To other talent is a deadly foe. 
How often great men talk at our expense; 
In silence we pay for their grand eloquence. 
Sometimes his talk would delight the bearer; 
Again one would feel like lamb with shearer. 
Cut through the skin. 



64 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

An interesting but excessive talker, 
Like a good camel you cannot balk her; 
Loaded full till last feather breaks her back; 
John never knew that feather kept the track 
For the village gossips, gave him full news, 
So on all subjects he could air his views, 
At the store, shoemaker's or blacksmith shops, 
About elections or the coming crops; 
Good Demc>crat. 

The price of hogs in market met decline, 
Fell quick as broken cage in a coal mine, 
Pulling farmer down to a low level, 
Into mire placed for him b\' the devil ; 
In meeting countenance bespoke mishap. 
From its clouds came flash and thunder clap, 
Loud murmerings, as if God had taken 
All things away with the price of bacon, 
Whole hog and tail. 

We do many things that don't become us; 
Loving John mantles himself like Thomas 
In doubt ; others by their talk, low gammon, 
Their praise of greed, idolatry of mammon. 
Are blamed. E'en the church, theworldrebukesher 
Being led astray by the love of lucre, 
Turning the house of God into a fair, 
With merchandizing not considered square, 
Those games of chance. 



AMITY ANNALS. 65 

Speaking of doubt, we recollect the frost, 
When hope of crops was to the four winds tossed, 
Fifth of June, in fifty-seven or eight ; 
Man3^ farmers were left in a dire plight. 
Their complaints were oft full of unbelief. 
Piercing each pious soul with greatest grief, 
Deep heart lines, like time on face engraven ; 
Scripture lessons — sparrows, and the ravens — 
Were lost in doubt. 

The meeting was yet on the upward grade, 
For Satan's realm the church did still invade, 
As she was gaining greatly. The devil 
Must move, against man his aim would level 
New darts ; yet he flies before the Master ; 
He'll make some suffer for the disaster. 
As in olden times will bring down the swine, 
Not in Ki. I sea, but in market with the kine, 
No price shall bring. 

Although the pork came not to waiting pot, 
Would-be bu^^er was happy in his lot. 
Because farmer's aim had been defeated, 
When he vsras so earnestly entreated 
To sell the pig on proper terms and price 
We cannot say; 'tis true he did rejoice 
High ., , on the mount of prayer and song, 
Leaving the earthly care and swinish throng 
Down in the mire. 



^^ VILLEGE SOUVENIIl. 

What of lost side meat, the shoulders and hams. 
The choicest pickles, the preserves and jams, 
Also the luscious plums, and the red peach^^s ; 
Then think of the lesson scripture teaches 
To all: "Man doth not live by bread only, 
By every word from the Lord." So lonely 
And orphan-like his lot. If the Father's hand 
Did not bestow, his barque upon the strand 
Would be a wreck. 

The brethern we've so long contemplated 
Were men of merit; w^hat has been stated 
Shows the ecentricities of those in trade, 
Like small defects in a Damascus blade ; 
Fit for good service in a noble cause, 
As swords drawn forth in liberty's great laws, 
One of these has long since laid by the sword. 
The other is still trusting in God's word, 
Will sooi; pass ovet. 

Amid the distant past we now will rove, 
Think of Jackson planting out the grove ; 
Little saplings gathered from the woods, 
Better than parasol or sun-shade goods 
Of any kind and thriving locust trees ; 
In this aphorism every man agrees : [grow ;" 

"He does good who makes more blades of grass 
But James a better record here can show 
Before the church. 



AMITY ANNALS. 67 

Those benefactors with wide spreading shade, 
Like men rein steeds in battle cavalcade ; 
To forget the planter would be outrageous. 
While basking in grove nicely umbrageous; 
Reclining 'neath their shade upon the grass, 
The young men will scan each pretty lass. 
In great revival the themes may be devotion. 
For a full heart will show its strong emotion 
In everj^ word. 

We'll not be severe on human folly, 
Little sparks, like on electric trolley ; 
For down "neath the car there is a power, 
Greater than money in bride's richest dower. 
To send it forward with increasing speed. 
Manj' an aching heart denied its need, 
Like blushing rose whose fragrance on the air, 
Wasted to human ken, worth may not share 
In its just dues. 

Our annals reach not to wig and Tory, 
They give no account of Amwell's glory, 
A.S we would gladh' find the eld archives. 
What revolution braverj' achieves, 
The names of those that dwelt along the creek; 
No old flint gun or sword we pick 
To tell us from meadow's deepest furrow. 
Nor where the rabbits and musk-rats burrow 
Are tokens found. 



68 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

When denied those records, strange and hoary, 
We will resume the religious story. 
It was on one of those keen wintry days, 
When through the mist Sol sent his feeble rays 
ThenTen-mile creek was bound in ic3' chains, 
Birds were gone, but there were songster strains; 
Without the sound of belfry chimes. 
The vocal music with poetic rhj-mes 
In praise to God. 

It was sweet singing of the old church choir, 
Not guided by note book like heaven's fire, 
Kindled by living coals from the altar 
Of God; hearts and voices could not falter 
In wish or praise with such inspiration. 
Would sing joyful sound of His salvation ; 
Then choir leader, George, just in middle age. 
Cared not for written music, turned no page, 
But sang by air. 

To make ample space thej- cut out the ice. 
For the one mode that gratified their choice. 
All the converts (there were seven or more) 
Who claimed it was the only entrance door 
Into the church of God, the proper rite 
For immersion ; scripture passages would cite. 
As our church will please each son and daughter, 
'Most frozen, went down into the water. 
Shaking Quaker. 



AMITY ANNALS. 69 

For weeks bread on the water we had cast, 
And now the meeting was in its full blast ; 
Like furnace with its fires and heated air 
The stony hearts were melted, and our care 
Was to run them into the gospel moulds, 
Shape their lives in beauty where grace unfolds 
From mines of earth and depths of ocean floor; 
Jesus to crown kings and queens forevermore, 
By grace alone. 

We feared the work would make a slaughter, 
Clothes froze as fast as we left the water; 
We were Yer\' soon clad in buckram suits— 
The water's cold what Baptist saint refutes. 
Please never tell this Methodist preacher, 
W^ho was taught better by zealous teacher, 
Chilled through to the marrow of the bones, 
Cold purgaton' for no sin atones 
In mother church. 

Placing stout men 'neath surface of the streams 
Was not as eas\' as to gazer seems ; 
There is a sleight in that like other work, 
Knew no more how than Jewish priest or Turk 
Of the sacred rite, 'twas no denial, 
Baptist would be like us in first trial ; 
One loses dignity when, like a mouse 
Dripping with water, runs to nearest house 
To dry himself. 



70 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

The dresses, in those daj's we called them frocks. 
Clinging to forms, modest opinion shocks ; 
The contrast great from their extended skirts, 
Like bathing costume admired by flirts ; 
But now we're European, we say gowns, 
With nude in art, on it old fogy frowns ; 
They call him such, the bon ton, the elite ; 
He claims the old ways and paths are still right 
And plods onward. 

At night the church was crowded to extremes, 
We were unfortunate in choice of themes ; 
Friend hoped would have eloquence and fire, 
Anxious for a good sermon was the squire ; 
Baptist minister and crowd would be there- 
Wanted me as best -workman to appear; 
Warned then to do my best upon that night, 
The spirit willing, but flesh in sad plight, 
Failure must come. 

Subject from wise man was not well chosen 
By the preacher, who had been so frozen 
In one duty, could not regain the fire 
To give accustomed tone to gospel lyre. 
"If sinners entice thee, consent thou not :" 
It seemed as if Satan had made a plot 
To defeat us, some new plan developed, 
That from our view had been enveloped 
In darkest clouds. 



AMITY ANNALS. 71 

Preachers are sometimes too hard on devil, 
Forget the square, cut him by the bevel 
Often down to sharp and piercing edges, 
Or pelt him with mire, black from steam dredges; 
Like a traveler in night belaten, 
Vile usage is good enough for Satan ; 
Toward him words and thoughts are venomy, 
Master never told us love that enemy 
We hate for Eve. 

No account is not for her sake only ; 
When he found the Lord fasting and lonely, 
He tempted Him to turn Him from our cause. 
But his kind love could never know a pause. 
Defeat that night as due to world and flesh, 
Like the disciples sleeping, not then fresh, 
Or, like deer with horns entangled in the brush, 
A.S early traveler through the mud and slush. 
In a poor plight. 



72 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

'Twas in eighteen hundred and fifty-one 
The church was built and the finishing done; 
The dedication was by Jesse Hull 
(Am sorry the account is not more full) 
No written word or text of the discourse, 
A well-known inan of mental power and force, 
No weakness in his argument or theme; 
Luscious as grapes and rich like Canaan's cream, 
Delicious food. 

Or we contrast him with vigorous boys, 
And our pity responds to every gaze ; 
Like Scripture teaching that man is as grass, 
To fade away and soon from earth to pass ; 
E'en with it the roots are still remaining, 
Those are coming shoots, in spring regaining 
Life and verdure, yea, on the other shore, 
Where winter storms and fading scenes are o'er. 
And all is well. 

Toward cowards Hull was never tender; 
Said he was not the one to surrender 
Even to the devil. In the battles. 
Though opposition artillery rattles. 
Aimed by the enemy, he would plod. 
Like a pilgrim, toward the mount of God. 
The brother trembling on the brink now stands. 
Too infirm, waiting to join the angel bands 
On that blest shore. 



AMITY ANNALS. 73 

He was a man of independent mind, 
Quite humane, but at times would seem unkind ; 
When supplies were low with sarcasm w^ould sting 
The people, "I can make the anvil ring, 
And get mybreadto stir them to duty." 
Such language, strong, not a thing of beauty, 
'Mid dews descending as from Mount Hermon, 
Making rainbow promise in his sermon 
To the hearers. 

We imitate a florist seen to-day, 
Where the roses looked so bright and gay ; 
But he pierced them through, just near the heart, 
With wire to bind them ere they quickh^ part. 
So from church archives where bright acts repose, 
We'll tie them like nursery man the rose. 
The-three-year old boy we took into the store 
For warmth cried loud till we reached the door, 
From the keen frost. 

His ears were redder than scarlet rose. 
And like purple bud appears his nose ; 
Children and great men alike are tender. 
Sympathy to them we all should render ; 
As they cannot endure the piercing frost, 
For many things they dare not pay the cost. 
Character, like child's copy, has its blurs. 
So our friend was oft rough like chestnut burrs 
Which hide the best. 



74 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

But yet beneath the hidden shell and hull 
Search down, find the sweet kernel, round and full. 
Men often on the outside place the best, 
But nature puts treasures in secret chest : 
The brightest pearl 'neath ocean in a shell, 
Diamonds deep as bats and lizzards dwell 
In mines. Talent is hidden from the dull ; 
We say, perchance, 'twas so with Brother Hull. 
A great preacher. 

The other day there was a kind tender 
For service, a privilege to render : 
Who liked not to deck one's grave with flowers 
Desired to give them in my living hours. 
Welcome then, far better in active life, 
For place and recognition there was strife. 
So I lay posies at mj' neighbor's door, 
'Tis late, they will benefit him no more, 
Not needed now. 

Now for the posies of that valley. 
E'en let numbers and beauty make a rally ! 
Now loom up modest little buttercup ; 
Do honey bees thy fragrant nectar sup ? 
Or slightingly do they pass thee over, 
To gather from the blooming clover ? 
We consider thee like a golden cup. 
From which the working queen or bee may sup. 
And gather sweets. 



AMITY ANNALS. 75 

Nor yet would we forget the dandelion ; 
For its medicinal properties may shine. 
Flowers, like women, have special graces. 
Excellence is not confined to faces ; 
For, sometimes 'tis interior beauty reigns, 
It oft the choice of friend or wife explains. 
As dandelion gives medicine for life 
To heal, 'tis mission of a worthy wife 
Man's path to bless. 

Then, amid the grass the little violet 
With bespangling verdure, by nature set; 
Arranged in all its beautiest tints. 
Brighter than the coins from Federal mints, 
Daily impressed on our mental eyes. 
E'en better than we can describe the prize. 
Or by an}-^ common w^ork of stencil : 
'Tis entitled to a painter's pencil 
Like the masters,. 

Let all flowers their hiding place disclose, 
And thou, neglected thorn-bush, show th.y rose. 
They call us masculine, the pointed thorns, 
And they are roses which our path adorns : 
Posies that claim alone the name of fair. 
Their modest claims disown, we never dare. 
We fear such roses, crushed to earth in bloom, 
Would never yield to man a sweet perfume, 
Odor of weeds. 



76 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

The thorn-bush is by every zephyr bpiit, 
Waving flow^ers of lieauty, with their scent 
Cast upon the air. Has compensation 
Rises to better some waste land station, 
Bows its head to sweeter flower? below ; 
Gathering smiles, like ladies can bestow 
On the sex devoid of their fine graces; 
Imparted to his nature, are tracts 
Of better life. 

V7e fail to gather flowers from the meeds. 
We ask, is there no rose the country needs, 
Like the eagle emblem of our power, 
Some posie to adorn the native bower? 
Pretty native of land, like golden-rod. 
With dollar motto that "we trust in God?" 
May it be truer than our silver coin 
With the assertion honest value join. 
Like Aaron's rod. 

Objection against the little flower 
Is, it seems an universal dower. 
Like English sparrow, monopolizes 
The places, drives out birds of all sizes. 
Now we need some water spreading talent, 
Not like foreign man or bird ungallant, 
Even yielding to all a modest share ; 
Freemen w^ho for the country's welfare care 
May feed at crib. 



AMITY ANNALS. 77 

The golden-rod is so tall and stately, 
That many men think we need it greatly. 
We suffer not by its loss ; our banners 
Are not in mould for European manners. 
On each they have some emblematic rose, 
A coat of arms to flaunt in face of foes. 
Ladies are ever rife for foreign change, 
Their etiquette and dress by it arrange 
To name of dress. 

'Tis hard to see friends and kin attacked 
By envious tongue.-;, their good names racked ; 
Long since were known as poor and struggling 
bo\'S, 

Why should prosperity flash envious eyes, 
Because genius and work, brought from the vale 
Of poverty ? A few to tell the tale. 
That, in our land there's open chance to all, 
Weaver, shoemaker, chandler's son breaks thrall 
From poverty. 

Fathers respected in all ranks of life. 
For few nobler men were met ' imid its strife' ; 
In argument could cope with a rival 
On many subjects. On the sixrvival 
Of the best, had their own cherished views. 
Some excelled in anecdote and news; 
The mothers are worthy of passing note; 
A part we knew, the other cannot quote. 
But all were good. 



8 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

Verv' much the}^ helped to gain this land 
By head and heart and constant working hand ; 
From the home legacies and their own toil, 
Like great eastern rivals, first take soil ; 
Struggle on memory makes indenture — 
An obscure, but still a noble venture — 
Away from home, far over ocean w^ave, 
Danger on foreign sea and land to brave, 
Seeking a home. 

Frequent thought we give to tramp the bummer 
He has not troubled us mvich this summer. 
We've watched the great labor avalanche. 
To see the shock, if capital were stanch 
Enough to bear continued heavy strain. 
Which of the parties would the conflict gain: 
Like conflict in Coliseum arena, 
Of men, lion, tiger and hyena 
In ancient da3's. 

For more important than McDonald strikes, 
Or Italian work on ditches or dikes ; 
Like interest one felt in stars and stripes, 
In politics, oil, gas, and all their pipes. 
For months presidential canvass had no force, 
Onl^^near time they shouted themselves hoarse; 
Old order of things so easily upset, 
With loss of office: many a heav}' bet 
Made many blue. 



AMITY ANNALS. T9 

So at Homestead, the first week in July, 
"When many wounded fell, and some to die. 
'Twas from mistaken views of human rights, 
Led by chieftains, amalgamated knights ; 
Their aim, not brotherly love or amity, 
That brought the stroke, a dire calamity. 
The village of that name gave them the gas, 
Now the\' seek amit3', too late, alas ! 
For their welfare. 

Many soon saw the folly of the strike. 
Hopeless as Irish fight with club and pike 
'Gainst British rule : but bound in solemn league, 
They must stand yet through hunger and fatigue, 
And never be a black sheep or a scab — 
An object of contempt like knotty slab 
The mill consigns to meanness or to flame. 
Oh ! there is murder in so vile a name. 
Scab and mad dog. 

There are set phrases, that we hear so much ; 
One, preacher with people should be in touch, 
Again, he should be abreast of the age ; 
These are fleeting actors on the stage, 
Another. 'Tis always along that line. 
Such words are used until worn out like coin 
Effaced, called to mint by TIncle Sam, 
Rejected counterfeit and every sham, 
Receives the good. 



80 VILLAGE SOUV^ENIR. 

Even as slang words have a rushing day, 
Until oblivion buries them away. 
And so we claim Amity is in touch 
With Homestead works. We ask is it too much, 
Now when its gas keeps fires in the great mill, 
And the Mormon romance came from its quill, 
If by mistake she forged such mighty lies, 
E'en at this time illumines Homestead skies 
With her fuel ? 

The recent news sends joy along the lines 
To every home on which a gas well shines, 
And gladdens those beneath the clouds of smoke, 
Busy toilers at the ovens of coke. 
Men of the world and earnest church members 
Will rake the coke and quench burning embers. 
Ready to shout, "The strike is ended," 
That their torn fortunes may be mended 
By constant work. 

"The moon had not yet filled her horns. 
Shedding her rays on lovers 'neath the thorns, 
When from the North the wild barbarian came ;" 
Then j-outh must fly to arms for home and fame. 
We know not vi'hen maj' be the quick alarms 
To seperate us from the social charms ; 
Unlooked for not war or pestilence 
From our pleasant scenes may bear us hence 
Dutv or death. 



AMITY ANNALS. gl 

The stream of gas led onward to Homestead. 
Hope that our lines for justice only plead ; 
Phe ownership in those mineral veins 
Wanderings of our poem now explains. 
From the old are lessons for the present, 
As full moon succeeded by the crescent. ' 
The old full tale in Arawell we renew 
Good men and things their history review 
For our benefit. 

Comet like actor from behind the scenes 
Last night met earth and broke in smithereens 
Too vaporous to hurt our little planet, 
So say the astronomers who scan it ; 
An outlaw over space, a wandering scamp 
With no path, irregular solar tramp, 
Bidding no good to earth or atmosphere 
Unwelcome visitor to our mundane sphere. 
We bid good-bye. 

A telegram from Philadelphia says: 
"The earth passing space and flimsy haze 
Struck comet ; fragments fell. Meteor showers 
Lighted the heavens during midnight hours " 
'"Twas Beila's," says Professor Snvder. 
But had pathway undefined and wider; 
Without any known and regular orbit,' 
A pugilist like Sullivan or Corbitt, 
Sparring at earth. 



82 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

But how can we ever trust the papers ? 
Like astronomers or comet's capers, 
Say danger of collision is now past, 
Already broken into fragments cast. 
Again, not Beila's with long swinging tail 
Like stroke of crocodile may stop the wail 
Of every one upon our whirling globe, 
In night's eternal sepulcheral robe, 
Gloomy comfort. 

The village suffered the loss of gas; 
How cheerful could have been the waiting lass! 
For beau or gallant quickly touch the match 
Ere 3'^et his fingers pressed the parlor latch, 
More ready than match-maker in her cause, 
Who treaty makes without one anxious pause. 
A little help to modest ones is good. 
Like clinging vine, when oak the tempest stood, 
Unbent by storm. 

Fluid found in Ten Mile hill and valleys 
Is borne quicker than treasure in gallej^s 
To prince merchants in the olden Venice; 
It travels on, though the mill men menace 
Homestead works, new men anrl the owners, 
By scouts of men, boys and women groaners. 
On yesterdaj^ a better era came; 
The strike withdrawn, of a notorious fame, 
Gladdened many. 



AMITY ANNALS. 83 

News of riot reached us in New York, 
Not dove-like branch of peace, like vulture stork, 
Thirsting for dire vengeance and for blood, 
Fiercer than avalanche or mountain flood, 
Claiming joint ownership in all the mills. 
That anarchy wrould sweep aw^ay these ills 
On property ; righteous, sage decision. 
Amalgamated skill make division 
In equal parts. 

Political economy engages 

Your minds. Now, first direct your own wages, 
Give to laboring brothers equal share. 
If this communal honesty you bear; 
For now we place it on your true metal. 
With your comrade the matter settle. 
Is pig of metal worth billets of steel ? 
Then skill with labor should share bags of meal, 
Else makes a steal. 

A mob is like a gusher or an ocean swell. 
Uncontrollable as a roaring well 
Until confined with iron pipes, 
They're tamed like animals of wildest types 
When loose. A little spark will start a fire, 
Sweeping destruction ere the flames expire. 
So mob, conflagration, hate and passion 
Can make murd'rous deeds the ruling passion. 
Few stem the tide. 



84 VILLAGE SOUVENIT-;. 

Rejoice, if not in conquest yet in peace, 
That silent wheels of trade find a release; 
All people of our favored county 
Are glad that idleness has lost its bounty ; 
From renewal of strife we all recoil, 
Hoping for blessings on the sons of toil, 
That capital man's weal may yet secure, 
As helping hand to labor still endure. 
To bless the world. 

Our last visit to homes of Amity 
Boded news — impending calamity ; 
We heard a noise as of distant thunder. 
Or nature riving the rocks asunder. 
We were told it was a Carnegie strike, 
One the millionaire would surely like. 
On a peaceful Homestead ; just roaring gas, 
Where nature gathered forces in mass 
For the display. 

Then came the news that Mr. Frick was shot, 
Through some malignant anarchistic plot, 
Played on our nerves the whole day long, 
Then the message from telephone or tongue, 
Quite early upon that bright Sabbath morn, 
O'er company wires welcome borne, 
"He would recover," and last night so sad 
By the rumor of death, now night makes glad 
The anxious heai*t. 



AMITY ANNALS. 85 

Then heard our boy was in safety there, 
Previous gloom gives place to this good cheer. 
'Tis so along the pathway of our lives; 
Winter, like for the bees, will close over hives. 
Against summer joys and the social hours ; 
Gentle zephyr brings scent of flowers, 
The gloom of winter by joy of spring revived 
Gives bliss ; for men and bees are then unhived 
With V. ings of hope. 

The narrative seemed, in its first sad cast. 
So planned as to comprehend the past ; 
But like Bella's comet's far reaching tail 
Making at us just now we hope 'twill sail 
Far by in space, leave no touch or vapor. 
Then we'll o'erlook the odd threat'ning caper, 
And those astronomers that make a scare, 
When time is past, shall in our mercy share. 
When we are safe. 

In the narrative of friend, Isaac Sharp, 
We find new strings to strike on Amwell harp. 
Some olden stories, like their ancient tunes. 
Bright as young butterflies from their cocoons 
Of it we make a liberal pnraphrase. 
Picture pioneer life in early days ; 
The sturdy farmer in his homespun suit 
With Indian neighbor spurned dispute, 
To live in peace. 



86 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

His wife, the partner of his joj^s, 
Doted on girls and flaxen-headed boys; 
At eve would gather 'round the spinning-wheel, 
Waiting for dresses would great interest feel. 
The creek passed bj^ wasting all its power; 
No turbine wheel relieved the labor hour ; 
The steam force was lost in swinging kettle, 
Down to the spinning would not yet settle 
To help her work. 

Steam or water power would not relieve her, 
With all her duties she must be the weaver. 
Her work not near so hard as fashion's slave, 
That lives for pleasure, and does only crave 
Intense admiration from the silly crowd 
That buzz around her with flatteries loud. 
Praising her ruddy cheeks and sparkling eyes, 
Insects adversity scatters like sand-flies 
By sweeping wind. 

With all her numerous household cares, 
Each w^ay w^orn traveler her kindness shares ; 
For lunch the very best on table puts. 
Her fresh, unskimmed milk and rich doughnuts; 
Or if stranger waits for a dinner meal, 
Unbounded stores of larder she'll reveal. 
See the chased chicken ; how speedily it flies ! 
Must yet grace table wath the cakes and pies 
And quince dessert. 



AMITY ANNALS. 87 

We may record a wood pile thieving scene 
That makes a preacher appear quite mean ; 
Human nature, in clerical cloth, 
Is often meaner than the working moth 
That eats and summers in his overcoat, 
When full takes wings and then can upward float 
In the air as radiant butterfly, 
So he turns pious eyes, towards the sky 
But has no wings. 

One thought his wood was taking a French leave, 
Like ship becalmed he would the sails unreef, 
At least to wife ; but he o'erheard the charge ; 
Accused came down on him like loaded barge, 
With broken cable on the highest flood. 
In angry words and gestures hard withstood : 
We believe he thought the preacher shoddy, 
Threatened to wipe the earth with his vile body, 
In just anger. 

There's an expression about hidden guile 
Not polite, "A nigger in the wood pile." 
But 'twas a white man; he made a Clutter 
About him, yet soon he dare not mutter; 
Scared like convict before judge's bench. 
In language English or more nimble French, 
Claimed 'twas merely for fun, a pleasant joke, 
Never meant the dear brother to provoke 
To angry w^ords. 



88 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

That was a mere surprise so full of guile 
There was no nigger in that small wood pile, 
But the snake had been riggling in the grass 
Ere it had time for fatal sting, must pass 
Into oblivion, like viper from apostle's hand , 
For it must perish ere it reach the sand, 
Or as a scorpion taken from my neck, 
Before it made of me a broken wreck 
In the far south. 

There were three preachers at a church meeting, 
Kindly in act, friendly in each greeting. 
One had some sermons found in a tin box. 
Held safely in a clasp with no strong locks. 
Mirth ran high, banter by the cheerful host 
Anothercould not preach sermon, occupy his post. 
If he did, should receive a full reward 
Greater than premium given to bard 
Unknown to fame. 

Three future pastors of Amity. 
The fun came off, but brought calamity. 
It was not verbatim ; he lost the pay; 
Said slave master must stand in judgment day. 
A popular 3'oung man, but he lost caste, 
For the waves of war were coming fast. 
The owner of sermon thought it comeh % 
Assured 'twas much like his own homily 
And wondered. 



AMlTl" ANNALS. 89 

In those days circuit was exceeding wide ; 
Monongahela River and mountain side, 
Allegheny county, Virginia state 
Were boundaries. Like a kingdom very great, 
The men could not give much time to one spot. 
For proper culture was too large a plot ; 
'Tis true the whole world is our gospel field, 
It needs millions of men to make it 3-iejd 
A rich harvest. 

Would we had more incidents from the church ! 
The logs have perished, vain now the search ; 
Was the opening a rededication, 
Or a common sermon on salvation ? 
In the utterances were there no gems. 
No strong longings after the diadems ? 
No faith pictures of harps near by the throne. 
Nor titles named of mansic ns pilgrim 's own 
In that citj' ? 

Could w^e see Presbj^terian history, 
It would give vis facts, removing myster}-, 
Shedding light upon many researches. 
Photographing men in both the churches, 
Whose obscure lives are free from every blame, 
With virtues worthy of immortal fame ; 
Our best account falls short, 'tis mere garble. 
Records less noble are on fine marble 
And histOr3'. 



90 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

My worthy successor was J. D. Herr, 
About the church made a lively stir, 
Contending they were able to build again. 
It took much work to make the duty plain. 
With the farmer and the money brokers, 
The ruling men inveterate jokers. 
But the new pastor who seldom blundered, 
From one obtained four or five hundred 
To start the ball. 

Commentators differ in their search 
About the temples ; but of this new church 
We all know to be the actual third 
With altar fann'd by wings of holj^ bird. 
Oft the Holy Spirit, the Heavenly dove. 
Had mantled penitents with gracious love, 
Resting on mcimt like Noah's ancient ark. 
Had the new Zion ship a favored barque 
To save sinners. 

None could have done better than our friend, 
His social force, like river in its trend, 
From side to shore will gather from the banks 
Rich material as flood does in its pranks, 
Treasures beyond the reach of common tides; 
So he touched lucre where mammon hides 
For years in its well secreted coffers. 
Heart heard the call and its tribute offers 
To church of God. 



AMITY ANNALSo 91 

It was no small job men to awaken 
To the church cause when 'twas undertaken, 
Knowing well the style of material 
He must make the tale a long serial. 
It would run through months of chapters, 
Until money losers he made captors 
Like the working bee that gathers honey 
From many a deep must draw money 
Through narrow cell. 

But the object proved a grai:d success, 
All false prophets must the truth confess. 
They now possess a nice spacious church 
And large locust grove where sweet songsters 

perch. 
Men e'en :u life have works to follow them 
To crown their fame brighter than ocean gem, 
Sparkling like diamond in bosom stud 
Contentment find like kine chewing cud 

From jDasture green. 

Religious prejudice like prison walls 
Shuts out view, bright expanse and human calls. 
Vain is every cry to pious bigots, 
But there's brotherhood turns the spigots 
To let Bethsada's healing waters flow 
To slake thirst for happiness where they go ; 
Sorry the brother thought our streams too scarce 
To find by large pools a resting place ; 
Still we are friends. 



92 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

'Twas the theory of those early times, 
If not as musical as belfry chimes, 
The appeal was heard about revival 
Preacher that failed was not a survival ; 
Surely became a yearling with his charge, 
Cut from his mooring like a doomed barge 
With ample fuel for many future fires 
Denied fair trial, from the field retires 
Without success. 

The upbuilding of the church seemed small; 
Numbers were their aim, men from sin to call. 
He alone was the one sought, the preacher 
Who added to the roll the great teacher 
That won many sinners, they came by scores, 
Numerious friends to throng the temple doors. 
Then they did not sing, "He's mighty to keep," 
Nor he who folded the wandering sheep 
Away from harm. 

That watched well Zion's sons and daughters, 
Leading them to good pastures by waters. 
Refreshing every blade of grass from roots 
Where they could fatten on the tender shoots. 
Following them into each hiding nook, 
When they came back at beck of shepherd's crook, 
Finding the lambs almost with cold perishing, 
Those little ones he's kindly cherishing 
In his bosom. 



AMITY ANNALS. 93 

For the lessons we make Arait3^ Annals 
Run in the old and modern channels, 
As Cowper uses Task for vehicle of thought 
And Young from many sources truth has brought. 
His wondrous Thoughts are from night tonight, 
Gems taken from the rough he polished bright. 
Then Pollock in his book, "The Course of Time," 
To lift up virtue and diminish crime 
Descants on much. 

"We get here a little and there a little," 
Like boys who industriously whittle 
To form some plaything or a fancy toj' ; 
From their own handiwork derive great joy. 
So we would make a spoon or spoil a horn, 
The proverb down through ages has been borne, 
In early daj^s the spoon material grew 
On head of frisky ram or quiet ewe. 
For spoon or comb. 

By busy hand was whittled into shape. 
With many a cut or rovigh filing scrajDe ; 
So we've been dealing with the goats and sheep ; 
At times could laugh when not called on to weep. 
The savage goats made many butt agains. 
More than from pious corners loud amens. 
But again was the preacher's oft-used phrase 
To call attention to the points he'd raise 
Worthy of note. 



94: VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

We've had care of many breachy rams ; 
Harder to keep than creek by highest dams, 
Who'd jump the fence to be where sinners go ; 
Although it brought upon the church much woe. 
They would be with goats, they liked their pranks, 
For they dubbed the saints as pious cranks, 
Willing to graze with them on thorns and briars, 
When from them conscience quietly retires 
Alone with sin. 

Many of their good resolves Satan smashes; 
Like Israel idolaters feed on ashes, 
Sinners there are of different gradations. 
They act alike through all the dispensations. 
Sin led away in patriarchal days ; 
In Jewish times men could not meet the gaze. 
Of golden glitter or of women's beauty, 
Grace alone can keep in path of duty 
Free from all harm. 

Preachers leaving the church for better pay 
Is old and not confined to our own day. 
In Aloses' time men forgot their pledges. 
To run fast and claim the golden wedges. 
If a fault it comes down from olden times, 
Americans love the dollars and the dimes, 
Englishmen change to get more pounds ajid 

pence, 
All alleging it's for greater usefulness 
They hear the call. 



AMITY ANNALS. 95 

'Twas not the work of early pioneers, 
In many things successors are not peers 
To waste the church by mean comparisons, 
They never exposed weak Garrisons 
Were well defended, their banner mutual rights 
Floated in view by day and moonlit nights; 
In preaching or in their pastoral work 
Were faithful, some eloquent like Burke 
In Flastitig's case. 

The language often sublime and chaste, 
With rounded periods freely graced , 
Some sermons were gems of rich eloquence ; 
Bible's great store they drew imagry from thence. 
Formed in models of rhetoric beauty, 
In seeking to perform their full duty, 
When avarice arose they rebuke her 
A.nd worship not the idol lucre 
As others did. 

But when men can stay ten years at once. 
He who says itinerant must be a dunce, 
'Twas next door to a settled pastorate; 
Those that can thus stay need not bewail their 

fate. 
But enjoy themselves, dispensing word of life 
They know naught of the early preacher's strife 
With fickle minds he met at every turn. 
Men whom preacher's rights never see or learn 
They all must go, ' 



96 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

The staples of that county met decline, 
The wool noted for its quality so fine 
Retires, cannot maintain its ruling place; 
Even corn, so great a crop fails in the race. 
'Tis better so than fill the whiskey still ; 
Useful to feed the hogs and run the mill, 
Low tarriff to farmer has no beauty, 
For loss in wool is owing to small duty ; 
Many think so. 

But there are other causes, the great West 
With its unbounded acres, land the best 
Equal to the rich valley of the Nile, 
Touch but its surface, and the bounteous soil 
With crops luxuriant will broadly smile, 
Bringing its rich reward for earnest toil, 
'Tis the great competitor to eastern tillage. 
Impending welfare to town and village 
'Tis evident. 

In some things the old world can still compete; 
If there be no tariff some things retreat. 
Belgium may send w^orkmen, the very best, 
'Till labor to the very lowest point is pressed. 
Or fill ourcountry homes with society's low dregs 
And bear our market with lower price in eggs, 
When every cackle promises mat mers more work. 
Giving their song more vim and pathos with 
each jerk 

When hoisting sails. 



AMITY ANNALS. 97 

Perhaps they did not give it proper thought, 
Fearful lest by its snares they should be caught, 
Bowing at Mammon's much frequented shrine 
And be led away from their work divine. 
By their exceeding denial and pious code 
Made for minister and family a hard road ; 
The grade up mountain was too exceeding steep 
Oft made the wife and children came to weep 
More than required. 

"Coming events cast their shadows before them," 
B&rne on the swoolen currant we can't stem, 
Our preachers leave us for better places ; 
Some have gone quickly, others by slow paces, 
For years scanned the fields with greater gains 
(Yith longing eye as Lot looked on the plains, 
Until he thought his sheep would fatten fast 
Among those sinners. Lot's own lot was cast 
To his great loss. 

There are rumors floating in the air. 
That a preacher will be for better fare, 
The pastor soon of some other rich fold. 
But yet to all the story can't be told. 
Retiring men will not pelt with mud 
"Who in the past have done us a great good. 
We've labored with and stood on Zion's walls, 
Fighting the battle 'till each opponent falls 
Before the truth . 



0S VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

We such desertions from the church lament 
What'er ])e the motive that gains consent, 
'Tis hard that old friendship be severed 
Like a strong build hig screwed or levered 
From old foundations may sink in a new place, 
And never stand in attitude of grace. 
He who goes forth must many dangers meet, 
When rubicon is passed, tiiere's no retreat 
Must take the chance. 

I can devise no reason why they leave 
Too late in life great victories to achieve, 
The restrictive rule thej^ don't come under; 
Long since iron yoke broke asunder. 
There s no itc.neracy wnth us now. 
Which is disturbing husband, child or frau, 
Yet other churches have their restless jjeople 
That swing to and fro like slender steeple 
Ready to fall. 

No longer do they agitate the matter. 
Grabbing mud their preacher to bespatter, 
Merely to get a change, a new preacher. 
Thus they howl coarse as owl the schreecher, 
Bird that makes night hideous by his cry 
With mid-night owl train men that cut up high, 
No greater disturbers of the home peace 
Than church members that cackle like the geese 
To move preacher. 



AMITY ANNALS. 99 

L ate in converse -with a farmer banker. 
One whose interests ate, like doth a canker, 
Said to me, many farmers must go under 
Unless threatening clouds l>reak asunder 
For they cannot pay notes nor interest; 
Kow money men would not their funds invest 
On judgment bonds. Cash was no longer lent, 
The days were past for eight or ten per cent, 
Seemed his lament. 

The farmers could scarce pa}^ their taxes ; 
Thus in doleful eloquence he waxes. 
He who made responses to each good call, 
Could no longer stop the quick rcHing ball 
Nor be a stay to a tottering wall, 
In pity see his farmer brother fall 
By sheriff writ or the impending sale. 
Must sink like storm-beat ship neath the gale 
Deep under sight. 

Those in former years they called good men, 
Their paper good enough for thousands then. 
Times have greatly changed in thirty years. 
Wealth has fled, left joyous e^^es for tears. 
True, farmers rose from poverty to wealth; 
Few ran quickly or traveled up by stealth. 
The peddler in merchandising trace 
Has risen to wealth and higher place 
Few farmers have. 



100 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

In former days, men commenced on low wages; 
They were great economists, and sages. 
One would think they could never buy a farm. 
In that small sum, where was the hope, or charm. 
Fifty cents per day, was considered good. 
On that basis, rent and provisions stood, 
There was small chance, to leave a margin. 
Could it ever be with every charge in : 
Who could answer. 

Yet there are some, on whom we ponder, 
Rose from poverty a nine-day wonder. 
But they were broken down in earl^^ life. 
Like a shoemaker's long-used, well-worn knife: 
Little but handle left, diminished blade ; 
Could scared}^ make, on soles, another raid, 
Or trim up again the heels or edges. 
Work being done gives no future pledges ; 
Dead blade of grass. 

Some pastors linger with minority, 
The greater number are with majority, 
On other side of the dividing stream 
Singing redemption, the angelic theme. 
Beyond the reach of sorrow, death or pain; 
Above temptation's snares, securely reign, 
All work is done, their constant song of praise 
Is fuller far than earthly choirs can raise ; 
Of glory song. 



AMITY ANNALS. 101 

Men ft)rmerly so quick, are pottering, 
The^^ of a stately gait, are tottering, 
Limp like linen, that has lost its starch, 
Slow in their tread as funeral march, 
Unlike it, they can't be done up again. 
Faded like parched grass, upon the plain, 
That fell before the continued dirth, 
As we all sitdc down, to old Mother Earth 
For last repose. 

The men, most delicate in younger days. 
Now seem more vigorous, their steady ways, 
Say for them hmger life than those so strong, 
Some forty years ago, then all were young, 
These are they that once manned Zic>n's decks 
Appear to many like deserted ^A'recks, 
Broken in keel ad deck, and nevermore 
Repaired, left to rot upon the shore. 
By the new men. 

Some came from carpenter, or the shoe bench, 
They could di'ive a gospel nail ; tightly clinch 
An argument, on the sinner's conscience. 
Plain men, they held no truth in reticence 
Ofttimes their terrors would arouse men's fears, 
Then show the Savior's love ; melting to tears 
Bringing through fear and hope, to mercy's seat 
Souls, who soonforthekingdom were made mete 
By i^enitence. 



102 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

Like Cincinnatus, men forsook the plow, 
That at the kingly sceptre all might bow- 
He left all, to defend his earthly king, 
Or his people save, willing then to fling 
His sword away. enjo3' again his home 
When capital was safe, his much loved Rome. 
Also these men fought for the Prince of Peace, 
Sought the people, neither honor nor fleece, 
They worked for men. 

'Twas said in a public church conference. 
By parties that long since have gone hence, 
Church must get a. college or a coffin , 
Loud, like booming cannon in the offin, 
Threatening the town with mortal conflict 
That every household they would soon evict, 
But no settlement has been destroyed. 
And some prosperity has been enjoyed. 
For churches live. 

You ask what then about the college boAS, 
Lamented agent's theme, source of his joys. 
They all have done well at Amity ; 
No charge of folly or calamity. 
But in other places have left the fold. 
Some allege ambition, others say gold, 
Have they not practiced on us as a church. 
Teamed to preach, then left us in the lurch> 
Fitted to work. 



AMITY ANNALS. 103 

Years since, we knew two little Englishman, 
Argued well, not gifted yet with voice or pen, 
But were full of zeal for the Master's cause. 
For college learning could no longer pause'; 
Knowledge from Wesley, Fletcher, Watson'came. 
All they desired was to exalt His name. 
Books sometime, were read at the coal mine; 
The other read while he would draw the twine. 
Thus they learned. 

The truth acquired, made wise, refined, 
But experiment with theory was joined. 
The colored churches needed preaching, 
They were welcomed while sinners beseeching 
To flee the wrath to come, and join the church, 
Be honest, not other's good name besmirch, 
For tattling was the great besetting sin, 
• So they learned to preach amid the din 
Of Africa's church. 

One of the twain was very long-winded, 

Especially when telling how sin did. 

In the Eden garden, through Adam's fall, 

Bringing woe to our terrestial ball. 

With all the train of evils that we feel. 

Telling them of deliverance the greater weal. 

Through Jesus, who should bruise the serpent's 

head. 
And the redeemed to victory be lead 
By that Captain. 



104 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

The^-- made agreement who talked too long 
It should not be thought as unkind or wrong, 
To signal stop l)y pulling his coat-tail. 
Once it was tried, and surely did not fail, 
But some coolness was quickly expressed 
About limit of sermon, and confessed. 
He did not like it, did not seem comely, 
To deal so abruptly with his homily, 
And spoil sermon. 

These men like college ones, practice and go, 
The^' put in work upon the poor negro, 
Making others pay for their advancing skill. 
Until more profitable pulpits tney can fill. 
As college boys, the M. P. Church have left 
Theypracticed well in preaching soon were deft 
Taking their way, persuing other course. 
Let negroes mann their desks with other force, " 
They found good work. 

The morn on last Decoration day 
By first train to Amitj' I found way. 
Old friendship's motives we need not disguise. 
I came to them without call, a surprise 
All the da3''s programme was well filled, 
Yet for prayer and speech I was soon billed. 
The first part company's march on the old street 
Few were the old friends we had used to meet, 
War wasted them . 



AMITY ANNALS. 105 

Nineteen were found in line in the first march. 
They looked like plants, burning sun doth parch, 
For days when neithi:.r rain nor dew can fall, 
The manlj-- forms, once so erect, and tall, 
Are bent like ancient trees, by constant storms. 
Or those robbed of sap, by eating worms 
When we first knew them, they were young, robust, 
Now seem like plants stripped by the locust 
With verdure gone. 

Ready to cry this time in the woodman's song, 
Woodsman, spare those trees, their lives prolong, 
They have defended us, our country saved, 
With patriot zeal many battles braved. 
And now we'll plead their cause, can find no case. 
Better to bring before the throne of grace, 
Than noble men of our generation. 
Who saved a sixty million nation. 
Claim gratitude. 

On the second trip up the olden road. 
With faltering steps the old veterans strode. 
O'er that hill they went when leaving home, 
'Twas o'er many a southern road to roam. 
The company was nearly one hundred ; 
To stand where shot fell and cannon thundered 
On Decoration day of eighteen ninety-three. 
Of the number, twent^'^-one we see, 
There are few more. 



106 VTLLAGB SOUVENIR, 

One of tne company, orator of the daj', 
Let others chime in, their reminiscent say, 
Sad are the meetings of old comrades. 
Fled are the pomp and joy of dress parades. 
Those well-worn men , ^vhom toil and years survive 
Like wandering bee, from a forsaken hive, 
Whom queen has left, only bond of union, 
Are humming a dirge, sad communion, 
That sympathy. 

Seeing them, we would not suppress the tears. 
Where sounds had floated in the air in years 
That had left marks, those huzzas, latest cheers, 
A. formal joy, that soon gave place to fears ! 
For loving eyes no longer see their forms J 
When in the field they meet the battle storms. 
Far more fierce than greatest showers of hail. 
Those heavier losses we must soon bewail 
When storms are past. 

Mine was the last speech, exceeding short, 
Like golden particles from a retort. 
Sorrow had long since removed the dross, 
Few words were needed there to tell the loss. 
'Twas no place, standing by soldier's grave, 
With unmeaning rhetoric to rave, 
A wondrous story, none came there to tell, 
Warriors resting there were known too well 
For our weak praise. 



AMITY ANNALS. 107 

After we bedecked the graves with flowers, 
'Twas a day of solemn thought. Its sad hours 
Have made impressions on our minds, 
The scenes were of different kinds. 
Prayer, speech and song were well arranged, 
And many greetings by comrades exchanged, 
Friendship flowed like swift river in its banks, 
When not disturbed by its torrent pranks. 
Now glad to meet. 

The frail flowers we place upon the mounds 
Will fade, like church bells, decreasing sounds. 
But retentive memory- will carry hence 
Bright pictures of their deeds and excellence. 
The good men -we do not find with their bones 
Or there would be no monumental stones. 
Few homes, or hospitals, would give shelter; 
Angels touch of charity they felt her 
The needy ones. 

Such gloomy thoughts upon our spirits wear, 
Burdened like camel, ours a load of care; 
Trains must be strong to bear their heavy loads, 
Their bridges, firm each article in roads. 
Must bear the common portion of the strain. 
When Modoc engine pulls the heavy train, 
Or pushes it up mountain's steepest grade. 
So sorrow's load on human heart is laid. 
Too great a weight. 



108 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

The birds were cheerful, then their joyous songs 
Came forth with thrilling notes from well-filled 

lungs. 
The red bird, with its heaving crimson breast, 
Told of a joy our words have ne'er expressed. 
Free as the air the little yellow bird. 
Hopping from branches, its breast was stirred 
With its warbling, the humming bird and w^ren, 
Unnoticed, performed work like honest men, 
In place obscure. 

Life pulsates here up from the blood and marrow. 
There is a bird swarms everywhere, the sparrow. 
It tears on its way, like plow and harrow, 
Stands toward birds like coach claims 

wheelbarrow, 
But not so useful, known as little pest, 
Driving all othei's hence in selfish quest. 
The humming bird is worthy of some notes. 
In beautiful plumage, from rose it floats, 
Busy like bee. 

The changes that we notice everywhere, 
Appear so unaccountable and queer. 
Then Presbyterians had a full yard ; 
Horses and carriages pressed on hard. 
Why has the number so much diminished ? 
Surely the church mission is not finished. 
We fear they've suffered b}- supplies — 
A non-resident pastor is no prize. 
We all have learned. 



A MITT ANNALS. 109 

Has not our own church gained the knowledge ? 
Church lives not b_y visit from a college. 
The shepherd throws them once a week their feed 
And hasts away with locomotive s^Dced, 
Learns not until Sunday if wolf was there, 
Too late to save or to asuage their fear, 
Ifthey were torn, must then bind up their wounds 
The pastor near, the loving message sounds, 
Come unto me. 

In pulpit and at the sufferer's home 
To streams of life he welcomed them to come. 
The college teacher cannot do good double work. 
In death he may f.nd many cold and stirk. 
While teaching mathematics, Latin, Gi'cek, 
None left in the charge His praise to speak. 
Is it economy to see a wasting church, 
While peace on other verdant branches perch. 
That are watered! 

We are charmed as by a voice from Tabor, 
'"Tis good to be here" and fail to labor. 
To bring others to the mount of blessing, 
While unbounding love we are professing 
Unto the Master's mucn neglected laws. 
Although receiving grace we often pause, 
Fearful to meet the dangers in his cause. 
After sinners, in highways and hedges. 
Who win them from sin and gain their pledges. 
To serve the Lord. 



110 VILLAGE SOUYENIlt. 

Some are camping from mills and glass houses, 
Clad in neglige suit, their ample blouses 
Bespeak comfort, their shelter merely a tent. 
Go to them, show love, ask them to repent. 
And let not all their da3's pass in leisure, 
Find no good, but their temporal pleasure. 
Stand in life's attitude where Jesus stood, 
Speak of Father God and the brotherhood, 
That He will save. 

Those men, by their mistaken views estranged. 
Are not so far awa3' they can't be changed ; 
There's mercy everywhere, mercy, grand thought, 
None bej'ond its pale, all the Savior sought. 
Speak of his saving power, a word for him, 
See our dut}', neglected lamps now trim, 
Bring guests unto the Master's ample feast ; 
From Satan's bondage the^' will be released 
B}^ Jesus' word. 

Amity's old pastors are dropping out ; 
Heard Brother Hull was gone, no more about. 
Silent his feeble steps and trembling voice, 
Gone, with the great company to rejoice ; 
Land, where no troubles come, no sin can warp 
The thoughts from God, and with a tuneful harp 
Forever sing praise of redeeming love, 
Which is the great employ of those above, 
So we are taught. 



AMITY ANNALS. lH 

The end of earth brings all the good release. 

The ocean of eternity gives peace, 

For no storms disturb its placid water, 

So human spirit hopes, God has taught her, 

To long for that rest beyond sorrow's vail,' 

Where death, and sin, come not to weave their 

tale. 
We trust our brother now has found that, rest, 
Obtained the palm, the plume, the heavenly crest 
The Savior gives. 

Our men pass away, we scarcely hear the sound 
Of the cortage bearing them to the ground 
For last repose. 'Twas so with Brother Reeves : 
And others moved like worthless fallen sheaves 
Far from sight. We miss Fifth Avenue old home, 
They brought them oft beneath its shelterino- 
dome, '^ 

Where the last eulogy was said, the prayer 
To God, then to assuage the mourner's care 
With hope beyond. 

The lawn where flaxes whitened, the bleachers 
Gather up, in like manner the preachers. 
Are laid to rest, like Aloses' resting place, 
Asks to be concealed from his own race. 
The preachers were not told of his demise, 
A public man, buried in obscure disguise. 
Co-laborers not asked to say a word. 
The old friendship fountain is not stirred 
By funeral scene. 



Hi, VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

It has oft been our lot to help with biers 
That bore illustrious dead amid the tears 
Of relatives and workeis in gospel field 
That had worked in the same cause, and the yield 
From well-sown seed made many hearts rejoice, 
That sinners by scores, heard the Savior's voice. 
Our earthly judgement when the laborer's gone, 
May not amount to much, the Master's "well 
done" 

Is more than all. 

Rest in thy narrow house, its walls of clay 
Gloomy, and dark will ope at the last day. 
Neglected long, else kept green and soddy. 
Will respond to Gabriel's trump, the body 
Then like the Master's incorruptible, 
Knows no decay is indestructible, 
"If the dead rise not, then is our faith vain 
We are yet in our sins," no hope retain 
Bej'ond our grave. 

We seek Amity's unwritten annals, 
Like hieroglyphics on ancient panels. 
We would their full meaning now decipher. 
Those mysteries, do you ask the why for 
Reveal the hidden stones of the long past, 
Which in the mould of human life were cast, 
Like ores, and coals, deep in Mother Earth, 
Or shining stones, that are of greatest worth, 
Brought to the light 



AMITY ANNALS. 113 

For many memories the mind will throng, 
The untold romances of old and young, 
The scenes of love, the many escapades 
More interesting than tales of Indian raids, 
Far thicker than mahogony veneers, 
Truer than aristocracy appears, 
In all its class of gilded romances ; 
Where prince and knight bestow mere glances 
On titled ones. 

The love of the young fill gifted songs, 
The aged lover to him no meed belongs ; 
Byron nor Burns ne'er sang his praise, 
Nor sounding harp was tuned to joyous lays, 
Because of his romantic venture; 
Although young hearts have indenture 
Nor can persuit to any be more meet, 
None consciously from his forces retreat 
From his sharp barb. 

Our wandering remarks on old lovers 
Shall be like sacred mountain covers 
O'er cave, of some long lost devotee, 
Who left the world that he might then be free. 
From vile temptations and suspicious gaze, 
In solitude toward God his heart to raise, 
The characters in love we freely draw, 
Saw tempest coming and stood in awe 
Of slander tongues. 



114 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

Contrasts are found to round out a picture, 
Age and youth, in love, meet many a stricture, 
They often say 'tis a mere inerchandise, 
Hiding beneath some untold mammon guise; 
But each old lover does not buy a wife, 
'Tis only so where selfishness is rife, 
Age and experience teaches him how to charm 
Kindness and sympathy will soon disarm 
Opposition. 

Love, like bee, draws sweets from every flower. 
Song of turtle dove exposes each bower 
The young will bow to lays of sweetest songs, 
Enwrapt with loving wisdom it prolongs. 
The head although silvered o'er with age, 
Often has youthful heart that can engage 
Maiden, or widow, with its soothing strains 
Of eloquence enraptured themes of swains, 
Are sure to win. 

Some such cases were fouud upon the creek, 
From them strange narratives one may pi<;k 
Human nature, is everywhere the same. 
To the fond young heart elder may lay claim. 
When opposition comes from relatives so loud, 
That Cupid is wrapt in funeral shroud, 
And all the cherished hopes are laid aside, 
And love's pursuit obtains no bride 
Because of foes. 



AMITY ANNALS. 115 

The philosophers are stronger than locks; 
Reason and love meet their heavy shocks, 
Disturb the quiet of the aged swain, 
Piercing the heart with sharpest pain, 
Hope that must take its final fiight, 
Leaving the soul in darkest night, 
Then comes the painful severance, 
For all seems lost. 

Forgetting that to hope the crown is sure. 

To all that to the end the toil endure, 

'Tis lack of patience brings the end, 

Not thinking that the road may have a bend. 

Lead to avenues again where objects dwell 

Like boat whose tacking sails the wind swells. 

Bearing from side to side, until the harbor's 

reached, 
And on the bank the boat is safely beached. 

Away from storms. 

Who will suffer most in seperation, 
The aged less, owing to his family relation, 
Or experience makes him more obtuse, 
From earthly charms he seems more loose; 
Nearing the end of the allotted race, 
Losses are shorter piety may brace 
Upon his heart a soothing streak, 
Branch of peace borne in the dove's long beak. 
Some unseen good. 



L16 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

We came — witness to prove the love they bore 
They in their youth to those that are no more, 
Widows that linger here upon the shore, 
Their lonely state one must, deplore. 
Their untold loss time never can restore, 
They look upon their loved ones memoir 
They testify that difference of age, 
Did not mar love's happy loving page 
In wedded life. 

The expression sad upon their faces, 
One quickly sees the sorrow traces, 
When asked can young woman love an old man, 
Suprised they say: "In grief she surely can." 
Theory must ever give place to knowledge. 
Learned in the world or at the college, 
So we conclude there is no universal rule, 
For love experiences the true school 
To learn it in. 

The witnesses are found who freely prove 
The young can venerate the old and love 
Them well, with an effection free from guile, 
Regardless of their gold or silver pile. 
These ladies may be exception to rule, 
That such matches are made in mamon's school, 
The old are taken merely for their lucre, 
As a stolen card in game of euchre 
Oft wins the game. 



AMITY ANNALS. 117 

One said indignantly, love one, why not ? 
Another keenly as with an arrow shot, 
Responded with sigh and emphatic yes. 
She had entered the bonds when yet a miss. 
Recollection of those times was pleasant. 
Gloomily and lonesome were the days at present. 
You say had he not been her old friend, 
Still would he be with her; young meet their end 
And leave widows. 

We met a lady leading little girl, 
We question her, not as a doubting churl, 
Anxious to know the facts in human life, 
If age and youth are subject to more strife, 
Than when all its matches are more equal 
Entered a mere child, and well proved the sequel, 
She said they loved each other very well. 
More than her heart's emotions ere could tell, 
Down to the last. 

Was old enough to be her own grand sire, 
He had the means from business to retire. 
We acknowledge this as an extreme case, 
In ten mile valley similar cases one may trace. 
We avoid all personal, unkind allusions, 
To prove winter and summer not delusions. 
They ofttimes blend when Sol obtains power, 
So age and youth may dwell in love's bower 
In harmony. 



118 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

'Twas affecting as related the former ties, 
Having now a young man would not disguise, 
The former love still hovered o'er her skies, 
Like sunset streaks meet the admiring eyes. 
Or when he sends back the lingering sheen, 
The last tribute from the day no longer seen. 
But painting memory with artistic brush, 
A rainbow from cataract's quick rush 
Down stream of time. 

Truely she was his watching angel guide, 
He was never happy when she left his side, 
In hour of sickness his greatest friend, 
Down the declivity whose rapid trend 
Was homeward, down through the valley 
To the river . this side there is no rally. 
On margin bestows the last kiss and thanks 
Soon to meet reception on the other banks 
From his Master. 

Wedlock, like masonar^^ may exclude 
From its charmed circle those that intrude. 
Law says no nonage custom no dotage 
Refusing such a name on marriage page. 
True love defies it, as all bars and locks, 
Moves on like train with open signal blocks. 
Its treasures are too great to be dela3'ed, 
Mandate says by all must be obeyed. 
For common good. 



AMITY ANNALS. 119 

The chains that bind must have no DroKcn links, 
The turtle dove a sweeter nectar drinks 
Than law, finds higher mountain stream, 
And slakes its thirst with a far nobler theme. 
Hence ardent love will find a Gretna Green, 
Where knot is tied remote from legal screen, 
Cupid law-giver; nor can sordid pelf 
Interfere, affectioti enthroned itself 
In those true hearts. 

The greatest work has been already done, 
Preacher directs it in proper course to run. 
Where law and gospel bestows the blessing, 
Even all their rights and guards possessing. 
Hence see the many runaway matches 
Of various shapes like Joseph's patches, 
Or else like prisoners or zebra's stripes 
Alliances of most singular types, 
Matrimony. 

The observation of Amity's preacher 
Was experience is a dear teacher. 
In regard to many a groom and bride. 
Behind any subterfuge will quickly hide. 
Can they induce him to perform the rite, 
Though it may lead him in legal plight. 
In those days there was no license needed, 
Proper cautions were not heeded. 
Risks were taken. 



120 VILLAGE SOUVENm. 

We have a case that rises up to view, 
A pillar in the church that should be true, 
Vouched for the parties ; all was right, 
Halfthrough, the preacher sawall was not bright 
The bride now found a loosened tongue, 
Her words deeper than scorpion they stung, 
You'll catch it so he was subject to his ire 
No angry inan could equal her own sire. 
He raved away. 

Threatening at once the dominee 
"Who would willingly forego the small fee, 
The little bullets were not welcome then, 
He was one of those anxious men. 
For his children anxiously seeking bread, 
Not wanting to receive the cakes of lead. 
But like all other storms it pa'ssed by 
And light again was radiant in the sky 
For family 

Return again, to things of solemn cast, 
One mentioned among the very last. 
Three had fallen during conferece year, 
And wife of an old preacher on the bier. 
Many there would place a fading flower 
By speech or tear in the memorial hour. 
Pathetic were tear drops and kindly words. 
Sad like the songs of plaintive birds, 
O'er their lost mates. 



AMITY ANXAlS. 121 

The husband tells the worth of his lost wife, 
Who left earth's sorrows to enter into life. 
Prom 3'ear to year we are increasing roll, 
Leaving us to bewail the funeral toll, 
Passing one by one on to the other shore, 
To meet here in conference never more, 
In early life we joined the working ranks, 
Now parted by Jordan rolling In its banks 
To meet again. 

All our earthly partings have s:ome sadness, 
Meeting those we love are times of gladness, 
So those will be in Canaan's happy land. 
Where sin and sorrow cease with harp in hand, 
Praise shall employ the ransomed powers 
Unmeasured by time, its flight of hours, 
Are unknown there, no warning dial 
Will call a halt, nature speaks no denial 
To our worship. 

Nor ticking clock nor hour-glass, wasting sands 
Drive from that temple its devoted bands. 
The last word of the service by Dr. Scott, 
Depicted well our future, glorious lot 
From the divine revelation which saith 
No sickness or pain or sorrow and death, 
Or gloomy sound o'er all higher plains. 
Earth is escaped with all its griefs and pains, 
Glorv to God. 



122 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

We are more concerned for the living, , 
"Who are still before earth's tempest driven, 
The Amity church has 3'et some preachei s 
Young men that may for many years be teachers 
In the church, servants of the living God, 
And aged who nearly all the road have trod 
On their pilgrimage to the bright city, 
Will soon pass the vale of care and pity. 
"Will then rest there. 

The tired workmen ma3- lay down their tools, 
But there are reserves still in prophet schools. 
That as the ranks are by death depleted 
Gospel work by them will be repeated. 
The renowned and trifling unbeliever 
With every jest and guise of the deceivei 
Has not led off those indoctrinated 
By the old preachers, are not ill-fated 
By deceivers. 

For them no massive monuments of stone 
Gave to their graves an austere, solemn tone 
Nor yet a thirty thousand dollar shaft 
Chiseled by best workmen, in sculptor's craft, 
Reared to proclaim deeds of Christian love, 
Record on hearts of men, and book, above. 
Registering angel, had written their names and 

deeds, 
Nearby the throne, where Jesus reigns and pleads 
Their cause with God. 



AMITY ANNALS. 123 

They are buried in some obscure grave-j^ard, 
Their constant requiem is by songster bard, 
But there is ground in Allegheny cemetery 
For those who've safely crossed the Charon ferry. 
The members of the Pittsburg Conference 
Have their last resting place without expense, 
Many find their long and last repose, 
Until earth's history on our race shall close 
By the last trump. 

The cost of some of the burial lots 
In that cemetery's most favored plots 
We hear of eleven thousand dollars, 
Not for poverty's economic scholars 
Who possess no palatial home on earth ; 
When catering to the common good their worth 
Cannot be recorded on parian, marble slabs, 
Like choicest flowers unknown because no tabs 
Declare their names. 

A local preacher is an exception, 
His philanthropy could give reception 
To a down-trodden and enslaved race, 
On monument his character there trace. 
The artist has given to the marble power, 
Rich is the chisel's gift as bridle dower, 
Showing the objects of his noble works, 
Prompted by love where no ambition lurks 
To injure it. 



124 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

When in their benevolence may show knavery, 
'T was never so with the b lack man' s friend , Avery, 
Giving in the name of the kind Master, 
Oft brings Gilead's balm to each disaster 
That can befall the fallen human race. 
Twice blesses giver and receiver finds grace. 
As earth receives refreshing drops of rain, 
Rises and sends the vapor back again, 
So mercy acts. 

Shall we linger in God's own acre ? 
In Genoa solemn as an undertaker, 
We visited the place of their noble dead, 
More b}- curiosity than veneration led, 
We're surprised at beauty of resting place. 
A'ffection and art had all things done to grace; 
The charnel house of dear departed friends. 
Would havethoughtsof love, where beauty blends 
Around the tomb. 

Not found in the unearthed Indian mounds, 
Revealed to us from all their camping grounds, 
Are the tokens like Pompeii uncovers. 
We've sought in vain mementoes of lovers 
Through all races, one common passion reigns 
Over highest mountain, on lowest plains. 
Cementing men in universal bond. 
Ministering social joys; we all are fond 
Of their delights. 



AMITY ANNALS. 125 

The untold story of hill and valley, 
We would give much to find the lost tally. 
Can find war mementoes, hatchet and spear, 
But talismans of love do not appear 
To tell us of the dusky braves and charmers; 
Nor love relics of pioneer farmers, 
War may have some weapons, hieroglyphic, 
The tools of war the most terrific, 
Such we can find. 

When we commenced the village annals, 
Sorrow w^as plowing on heart its channels 
Deep then, the diverse thoughts gave great relief, 
Better far to take each mind away from grief. 
The work has been a benefit to self. 
Although it brought no stores of earthly pelf, 
The muse led from the low ground of sorrow. 
Comfort from hope, promising better morrow, 
So we go on. 

Love the ancient universal cable 
To resist its current few are able; 
All enjoy the brightness of electric sparks. 
Its devious path like our boyish larks. 
Who has not been in touch with it at times ? 
The notes are musical, like belfry chimes, 
Even songs are products of untutored bards, 
And for its concerts all the world have cards. 
With full welcome. 



126 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

The longevity of Am well people 
Rises to view like majestic steeple. 
Many there are who pass their fourscore years, 
Making the best of life, not vale of tears. 
Can remember walking ten miles with one, 
Was less tired than I when tramp was done. 
Those octogenarians had some nerve, 
From the hard labor he would not swerve, 
' If strength allowed. 

To-day saw clergyman of ninety-five 
Laid to rest. How man^' did he survive ? 
Of younger, stouter men near fifty years 
We've known him, and his work appears 
To us like Goldsmith's poems, smooth, well done, 
Laboring on 'till near his setting sun, 
And Amity had such old faithful men, 
Whose worth was not so plain to human ken. 
The young are sought. 

When material progress opens ways, 
The ark of God new energy displays. 
From all benefits of temporal weal. 
The church greater power for work will feel. 
Electricity gives worship better light. 
Its motive power makes audience delight 
In the numbers that attend its meetings. 
Improvements add to its joyous greetings. 
All thing's are ours. 



f 



AMITY ANNALS. 127 

The sexton's troubles to obtain the oil, 
By journeys added to his weary toil ; 
Well we remember the sad tale he told, 
When lard was scarce, like leaves of beaten gold ; 
From farm to farm the weary race he made, 
O'er the hills and far down the wooded glade. 
Sometimes he'd search 'till Sunday afternoon, 
Not knowing that he could find, much-sought boon 
For night meeting. 

Some of our village churches now are bright 
When lit up from the incandescent light. 
The schools have much improved in thirty years. 
Now they are graded, everything appears 
To cheer the heart and to improve the church, 
All fogy views are left far in the lurch, 
Learning is religion's true hand-maiden, 
Their harmony is like that of Hayden, 
A cheering gift. 

To all interests the bad roads were foes. 
The social avenues they often close, 
Interfere with all the congregations, 
Mar the happiness of all relatioHS. 
It is not so in European lands ; 
They mix the limestone with its clay and sands, 
And every road shows good macadamize, 
The travelers their use, and beauty prize 
As thev pass them. 



128 VILLAGE SOUVENIR." 

Now the state is moving in this matter; 
Mud must not the traveler bespatter ; 
Wagons will no longer sink to the hubs, 
Nor horses pull 'till chaffing collar rubs. 
Their breasts and shoulders until peeled and sore 
In efforts vain, 'til strength can do no more, 
Then driver unloads the towering heap, 
And empty wagons, rescued from the deep 
With much lost time. 

May we not hope soon for a better da^-, 
When children with bicycle can pla}', 
Or young men use them in their evening calls ? 
No neighing uorse will measure time in stalls, 
The crib will lose no hay, the oats and com 
From bin will show no loss at early morn. 
The wheel stands silent by the garden gate 
'Till question's popped and he knows his fate 
Engaged or not. 

Let's speculate about the future gains 
A cheap motive power for hills and plains. 
Stalking forth like genii, whose magic move 
With fleetness and untold power may prove. 
The greatest boon that science can bestow, 
Or hidden nature from its store-house show, 
The near future great blessings may reveal, 
For new people, cities the discoveries feel, 
Have been their boon. 



VILIiAGE SOUVENIR. 12^ 

The electric car may traverse country road, 
Freighted from hour to hour with human load, 
Intelligence and beauty may adorn the seats, 
And communities may rise to noble feats, 
Coming in contact with a living age. 
Making better record than its former page 
Of history, for their favored county, 
Aided by the works of skillful bounty, 
Common blessings. 

Science and art extending their great sway, 
Prepare us]for reign of Christ, his great day. 
When millenium thrones shall cover earth, 
Men will see character alone has worth. 
Each invention that proves to man a blessing, 
Scattering wants and things distressing. 
Are so many harbingers of common good. 
For every one who by the truth has stood. 
Will reign with him. 

In concluding our long annals story, 
Speaking of men and things young and hoary, 
We have sought to do it without bias. 
Dealing just v/ith sinner and the pious, 
Hoping we've done justice to each mortal. 
And left our offering at the portal 
Of the church until we found the truth, 
Some wreaths of excellence for age and youth, 
Brought evergreens. 



130 AMITY ANNALS. 

Were former days better than the present ? 
Is an inquiry that may be pleasant, 
If 'tis free from old or new predjudice, 
And men from purest motives make their choice; 
These are better da3'S from a material point. 
A fogy view may make them out of joint, 
Improvement has bettered man's condition, 
Each machine and motive force addition, 
Adds to his bliss. 

What of the moral forces now at work, 
Can we ever win pagan, Jew and Turk ? 
Or will they fortify themselves, their faith 
Never hear what the Lord Jehovah saith. 
The parliament of all religions held 
At the World's Fair, will it cement and weld 
The various faiths into a common whole? 
Will it find God and feed the human soul 
On bread divine ? 

We look back on those olden gospel days, 
Many bright spots meet retrospective gaze. 
The old that felt and saw can know their worth, 
The manna food we found on desert earth. 
Young people see none but present forces, 
Christian Endeavor work that coerces 
Men to come into the great Gospel feast. 
All are pressed, the noble, last and least. 
Are welcome there. 



VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 131 

Many men there were obeyed injunction, 
Laymen too without clerical function, 
Heard him say go into highway and hedges, 
Compel them, take no excuse or pledges. 
But bring them at once, to the banquet room. 
The silver-haired and those in youthful bloom, 
Even those who have felt their degragation, 
No expulsion because of class or station, 
Invitation hear. 

There were lookout committees even then, 
Anxious to seek the lost women and men. 
Souls had their value in those pious minds; 
They were fleet after them, like mountain hinds 
Bounding o'er Laurel Hill, for grass or springs 
Worthy of greater praise, than bard now sings 
In limping lines or in pathetic strains, 
They who built up the cause with greatest pains 
Deserve a meed. 

Now to this work we bid a last adieu, 
To the village and Amwell's long review 
Of all its interests and resources 
Its mental, moral and other forces, 
With all of its material supplies 
That meet the admiring traveler's eyes, 
Never thinking when we commenced the tale, 
To visit every valley, rock and shale, 
And be minute. 



(32 AMITY ANNALS. 

Some of these verses are result of toil, 
Others sprang, spontaneous, from the soil; 
Such may be of the smoother, flowing kind. 
Others show strain of labor, weary mind. 
Would they were epics more poetic far, 
A current smooth no rocks the stream to mar, 
In even course as down the years it flows, 
Like deep majestic river to the ocean goes. 
Its final end. 

But it proved like some ancient parchment scrolls. 
More came to view, as papyrus unrolls, 
Imagination in the pleasant task 
Helped us to lay aside each hidden mask, 
And show human nature in brighter light, 
Yet leaving some actors in sadder plight. 
We have sought men's infirmities to conceal, 
And all their better instincts to reveal, 
For sake of love. 



AMITY ANNALS. 133 

We gather traditional tales like Scott, 
Of "My Landlord" or hostess, or what not ; 
Often told by preachers on the charge, 
As truth or fancy dictates they enlarge 
The stories of the old time wedding rings. 
And many themes of love like poet sings. 
Placed by his flights in pictures strangest phrase 
So on its odd and mirthful side we gaze. 
For drolary. 

Scenes that provoke men to fun and laughter. 
Stand out, like swallows neath barn or rafter, 
More numerous than birdlings in the nest. 
Are often hatched merely for the jest ; 
When the preacher becomes a good joker, 
Prettier than players at games of poker. 
Forgetting his becoming reverence. 
O'er piety giving mirth the preference, 
Not style of Paul, 

Amity pastors found it their trial. 
When mirth loomed up 'twas self denial 
To curb their spirits, onward like the creek, 
Waters clear or muddy bears off each stick 
By its swift current to distant river. 
So they look upon their fun and shiver 
Like men with ague trembling for the cause. 
Thinking of injury resolve to pause 
And be sedate. 



134: THE VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

We will call up another sad extreme, 
The sanctimonious man, in everj^ theme, 
Throws in a solemn look, almost a frown, 
Like an iceberg just from the north come down, 
Chilling the jjassengers on old Zion ship. 
And all those waiting for celestial trip. 
If choice of error w^ere allowed to us. 
Give the funny way: not the pious fass. 
Sanctimony. 

Some are jocund for the fame it gives, 
But poor the flock which on such pasture lives. 
Many would from all trifling pastors run, 
The lukewarm members will enjoy the fun, 
And call him a good fellow. His levity 
Excused. In sermons they ask brevitj'. 
The evening spent in anecdotes of mirth 
Conference comes ; they see no other worth 
But men of glee. 

These clerical jestors miss their calling ; 
Their whole deportment needs overhauling. 
Instead of jesting should give wise advice, 
Not in measwred solemn tones of voice, 
But in every w^ay to please, present the truth, 
Winning attention both from age and youth: 
Painting religion like the sunrise sky, 
In pretty colors that entrance the eye, 
And heart yields love. 



ANITY ANNALS. 135 

We would not detract from London day, 
Where fog makes all things look so graj'. 
The preacher, aided by a working band, 
Marched with the hosts to victory grand. 
One hundred professed conversion ; 
The young left each sinful diversion. 
Born on the tidal w^ave ship passed the main, 
Church haven found a glorious gain 
In new converts. 

That land of rest, the everlasting day, ■ 
We hope our Brother Day has found his way. 
While we are pressing on toward the shore. 
Where there are joys forevermore, 
And that mercy will cover every foible; 
Such hope is taught us by the bible. 
That in skies where light holds constant sway 
And there are no clouds to drive away. 
But sunshine reigns. 

His fault was like poet or painter, 
For lack of color things were not fainter. 
Imagination led him to bright flowers. 
To wreath his fame and shew his powers. 
Pretty rose on self we may bestow it 
And oft keep it from another poet. 
He has passed from scenes of labor, 
Hope to brighccr mount than Tabor^ 
60 srlorious. 



136 THE VILLAGE SOUVENIR 

Floods of past years have many a queer name, 
Powder and Pumpkin freshets of great fame. 
The Pumpkin one was a tremendous flood, 
Swept Smokey Island from where it stood ; 
Left space below old Exposition grounds, 
On Allegheny side, where river rounds 
Into Ohio, just below the point. 
That flood left all things out of joint. 
And homes were gone. 

But we are nov^ on some wedding rounds, 
The love came like flood with strangest sounds. 
The funny wedding great attention wins. 
The clear notes are dear as diamond pins, 
They flash them on company as bright stones. 
We tell our own and call for other loans 
To embellish the Village Souvenir, 
Ere from the patriotic task we steer 
Of village tales. 

There may be the dollar or rhubarb wedding, 
"When on our own ground alone w^ere treading, 
But to pastors of the village w^e lay claim. 
We take their notes but they may have the fame. 
If all -were gathered much that's queer, 
Hoping to entertain as w^ell as cheer 
The man}- friends of our favored spot. 
By plucking flowers with the forget-me-not 
Of olden davs. 



ANITY ANNALS. 137 

Speaking of floods, there's one invades our ranks 
The Angel Death, mid Jordan's swelling banks, 
And takes from scenes of labor to rewards; 
Watchmen in Zion — faithful guards, 
Whom we asked often, What of the day? 
They've gone where darkness ne'er holds sway, 
And sing no longer sorrow's old ditty. 
Free from care they dwell in that bright city, 
Of endless day. 

We held memorial services for two : 
From their devotions useful lessons drew.. 
The Angel waiting, pressed the button. 
Calling from Conference beloved Sutton. 
Never their pastor, oft preached for them. 
He left us all to gain his diadem. 
He loved the churches : 'tis their loss 
When fall the standard bearers of the cross 
Yet others come. 

Master calls ! Servant, lay down thy burden. 
In peace the voice was heard by Brother Jcrdan, 
Nor did he dread the namesake river ; 
Came not to its banks to halt and shiver. 
His soul felt no chilling wind from the stream, 
Anchor was cast within the vale; the gleam 
Of light from the shore came bright and faster, 
To cheer on Amity's former pastor 
'''^o Glorv Land. 



138 THE VILLAGE SOUVENIR, 

The workmen that remain upon the shore 
Cannot work with vigor as of yore. 
One of the old builders, J. M. Mason, 
Is no longer like an overflowing basin 
Whose waters scatter verdure all around, 
Nor make music by gospel trumpet sound. 
He has laid aside plumbet and level. 
Can't work much by nile and bevel, 
For age prevents. 

The writer feels not the vigor of youth, 
But still enjoys, proclaiming gospel truth. 
Like the Apostle John w^ill never quit, 
While health and opportunity permit. 
Old men can often do effective work. 
In short and steady pull, nor jerk 
Upon old Zion's ropes. Their steady aim 
Will take the pointed arrow to the game 
And fowler's net. 

Few are the old pastors of Amity 
Surviving. 'Twas their or our calamity 
That two good men left our flock — 
Our fortitude has since o'ercome the shock — 
When with us they were workmen true and good 
Like noble watchmen on the walls they stood. 
We wish nothing but God-speed in chosen fields, 
Hope for them large harvest yields 
To cheer them on. 



AMITY ANNALS. 139 

'Tis true this is a material age, 
For wealth and power — the dominating rage, 
But still there are those of spiritual ken. 
Our narrative may edify such men. 
With Amwell, we have dwelt upon her stores. 
The mineral wealth sinking drill explores. 
Farmer the surface riches of the soil. 
The seen and hidden gain rewarding toil 
In mother earth. 

From every valley hill and slope 
All things inspiring time and future hope, 
Like poet Co wper in his length^^ task ; 
The good to shew, the evil to unmask. 
And sermons find in pebbles and in brooks, 
Yet claim no standard with such poetic books. 
Our rivulet can scarcely slack the thirst 
Of bounding deer that reaches it the first 
At early morn. 

In broken language lessons oft are taught 
With great benefit to mankind are fraught. 
Culture v^rill set the inferior aside; 
Nature's poets and orators abide 
In the dark shade, oft to be regretted. 
Religion and science are indebted 
Unto many not then men of letters, 
Genius or faith had broken fetters 
And gave power. 



140 THE VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

The college failure ; some ever toot its praise, 
But men of sense know worth: he cannot daze 
Them. Silly w^omen may deck college shrine 
And thini their prodigy should surely shine. 
Polish can't make a gem of any stone, 
Nor tutor change what nature does disown 
Into a genius or man of talent, 
Nor turn a boor into a gallant, 
To please the world. 

Never pounce upon learning like a vulture. 
'Tis no carcas. There is life in culture. 
The precious seed when sown in good ground 
Succeeds, but in barren soil no fruit is found. 
It should not receive the labor and care 
Sunshine and rain it may freely share. 
All these tipper things are of no avail 
The barren soil will make it fail. 
'Tis so with brains, 

But as the world advances, growing older 
Men dive into its mysteries still bolder. 
The last fifty years have seen great advance. 
The earnest man has taken every chance. 
The steam and new electric professions 
Have enlarged our earthly possessions 
Of knowledge, motive power and w^ealth, 
Lengthening life and bettering human health, 
With manj' jo\'S. 



VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 141 



NOTKS. 



Dear Sir : — In my efforts to comply with, your 
request to write you something about the village 
of Amity, Pa., my mind has carried me back over a 
space of more than fifty years, and dropped me down at 
the old log meeting-house, a boy again of ten or twelve 
years of age. 

Churches were not so numerous then as now, and 
were called meeting-houses. This old log house was 
built by the pioneer settlers, and it was used by the 
Presbyterian denomination. Rev. Thaddeus Dodd was 
the preacher. It was an immense structure, timber 
being the most plentiful thing in or on the land. It was 
built of logs hewed on both sides to an equal thickness. 
The building was about 35x40 feet, and was built like a 
pen. The men and boys, too, for that matter, were 
axmen. One of the best of these was placed on each 
corner of the building, and with his ax he made saddles 
on the top side of the last log, then cut a notch in the 
next log to fit the saddle his eye answering for a rule, 
level and plumb. This building was carried up until it 
was good two stories high, not that it might have a base- 
ment and an upper room, but the first floor was the 
church proper, while the space above was an immense 
gallery, seating many more than could get sight of the 
preacher. The doors and widows were made by sawing 
out certain logs where they wanted them. 



142 AMITY NOTES. 

This building was dedicated, but I never heard how it 
Was done, only that they had tlieir whiskey. 

Their first preacher and the men of his congregation 
placed much more store by his dog and gun than men 
do now. They were his companions going to and fron* 
church. This was a necessary precaution against Iii- 
dians and wild beasts, and during the services the dogs 
were chained and the guns stood up in the corner of the 
meeting-house. 

4t my earliest recollection, this building stood some 
jto feet south of where it was formerly built, and was 
owned and occupied by the Methodist Protestant 
Church, then in its infancy. I recall as the original or 
charter members, the names and faces of Joel Woods, 
Wm. lames, George Swart and N. D. Clutter. The 
house was the same in form as it was before its removal. 
It was transfered to the present site on rollers. The 
foundation which was not so very tightly built, made 
an excellent and safe retreat for rabbits. It was not an 
uncommon thing for us boys to chase four or five ia 
there of a morning. Sometimes other animals got 
vnder the floor, and the question went from one to an- 
other, "Who killed the skunk ? " 

I remember one evening just as the congregation 
started in to sing the first hymn, a large "Thomas Cat" 
opened up. I did not know at the time what part, or by 
what name that kind of music went by ; but I did 
know his squalls came up through that floor. I almost 
"magined the floor was coming up. I knew the hair on 
my head raised, and had he continued his part long I 
should have left before the benediction was pronounced. 
, I have been a good deal amused at myself for becom 



VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 143 

ingso frightened, as I have sat and listened to much the 
same kind of music, and they call it fine operatic singing. 

Tlie furniture was not grand, compared with the pres- 
ent; the pulpit was a four-legged stand, the seats were 
made of lumber they call slabs, placed with the flat side 
uppermost, the sound side under with four auger holes 
and pins driven in them for legs. These were portable 
which made them very convenient to draw up to the 
stove, and change position when one side got too cold 
and the other too hot. 

After several years this old building underwent some 
repairs. The chinking and daubing was replaced where 
they had been knocked off and out, and it was newly 
seated with seats that had backs to them. A new pul- 
pit was erected where the preacher could stand some 
place between the heavens and the earth. It resembled 
a large fruit tree box stood up on end. The top was 
left open, or uncovered, and the floor placed where a 
medium sized man standing on it, his head and top of 
his shoulders would show above the box. A short man 
had to stand on a stool or block of wood. One of these 
Simion I,ashley. It was said of him that while quoting 
the passage a little while and going down he had slipped 
off the block said, "Ye see me and again a little while 
and ye shall not see me." 

The preacher reached his place by a stair-way run- 
ning up at one side of the pulpit, when he opened a door 
and went in. On the opposite side was a door that 
opened into that part under the pulpit, or that part of it 
where the preacher stood. This was a dark, dismal, dirty 
place : and one Sabbath evening as four chums of boys 
were roving about they got into the church, when notic- 



144 AMITY XOTES. 

ing some young ladies about to enter tte house, and 
their conciences condemning them for being out of place 
they crawled into this closet to secret themselves ; bu| 
the girls staid too long for the boys, and the people 
began to gather for church before they left. At this 
point Jim Sanders began to sniffle, whereapon C. D. 
Sharp, Robert Wood and L. W. Hughes braced him up 
by scolding and shaking him up a little. All went well 
until the sermon was about half through, when N. D. 
Cluttei-, who was an extremely large man, noticing the 
door ajar which the boys had carefully kept that way for 
light and egress; but when Clutter closed the door and 
turned the button, Sanders' nerve gave -way and he 
whimpered loud enough to be heard by the preacher in 
the pulpit, and the man at the door opened the same and 
to his astonishment found the place infested with boys. 

The boys soon fired Sanders out, but it required some 
coaxing to induce them to show up ; finally they agreed 
if he (Clutter) would slide quarter up on the seat where 
he would shade them from the audience, the pulpit 
shielding them on the other side, they would come to 
the light. This was agreed to, but poor Clutter got but 
little benefit from that sermon. 

I call to mind preachers of those days ! Hopewood, 
Inskip, Burns, Burgess, etc., but these have long since 
passed away ; and the old log meeting-house gave place 
to a new frame building, and in turn to a large frame, 
where a prosperous and zealous society of the Metho- 
dist Protesant Church worship the only living and true 
God. Your most obedient servant, 

Isaac Sharjp 



MISCELLANEOUS POEMS. 



JUST MARRIED. 



We are married now, my dearie; 
Hope we'll still be cheery ; 
Never a grievance unfold, 
Nor once grumble or scold. 

Like the nightingale sweetly sing, 
No owl screech music bring ; 
Be more cheerful than the cricket, 
Or girl on the wicket. 

When looking out for her lover, 
Coming through the clover; 
As you're my wife and beauty. 
Be faithful to duty. 

Now, hubby, the lecture's not fair. 
Wedded burdens we'll bear; 
I will be harmless like the dove, 
If your true to you're love. 

At my shortcomings never growl, 
Nor stay out like the owl ; 
Never bristle like porcupine 
To w^ife — in company shine. 



146 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

Then I will be like the fleet doe, 
To follow where you go ; 
Never like the rough mountain goat 
Butt at each beam and mote. 

And my lambs shall never be kids, 
Girls jewels worthy best bids ; 
Boys manly as father can be, 
If none, lovers you see. 

A PROFILE. 



On a seat not very shady 
At request of a young lady, 
I mantained a pleasant smile 
Dntil she drew me a profile. 

A small memento of the park. 
'Twas Iree from a coquettish lark, 
Only to please artistic girl, 
And prove that I was not a churl. 

Saw she was one of the World's Fair, 
Red cheeks and lips and auburn hair, 
Prettier than impromptu picture, 
Critic could not make a stricture. 

Mother watched the lines she drew. 
Making suggestions with each view. 
Would kindly her objections state, 
'Till form she did delineate. 



147 



TELL JESUS. 



Tell Jesus thy sorrows, 
Be thankful for joys ; 

Bring all thy heart borrows, 
Grief, thy spirit annoys. 

An unbearable load, 
Lay it down quickly, 

To the fount see the road. 

There's health for the sickly. 

The physician will heal, 
E'en now is the hour. 

When his word will reveal 
The conquering power. 

In Bethesda's new pool 
The Master says wash. 

Then sin's fever will cool, 
Thy doubts it will quash. 



148 



VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

All mourners may come 

Whate'er be their grief, 
Although great be the sum, 
Jesus gives them relief. 

Have your means taken wings 
Or left without health ? 

Is it dirge your soul sings, 
Lamenting lost wealth ? 

Come all that are weary, 

Ye burden 'd here call, 
No longer be dreary. 

The Saviour helps all. 

Is thy loss a dear friend, 

Parted from lover? 
Then the Lord will extend 

Sheltering cover. 

Are there seven troubles. 

No end to his love. 
If number still doubles. 

Peace branch brings the dove. 

Though care rise like mountain, 
'Twill break on the shore. 

Waves higher than fountain 
Are lost evermore. 



TELL JESUS. 149 

Dear Shepherd, 'tis thj voice 

Rings out on the air ; 
At its sound we rejoice, 

And Hy to thy care. 

We have tested the world. 

Are tir'd of 'its charms, 
'Neath banner unfurled 

We come to thine arms. 

For the promise is sure, 

Obeying the call, 
Our hearts are made pure, 

Redeemed from the fall. 

To prove the old story, 

Dangers we brave, 
And give him the glory, 

So mighty to save. 



150 THE VIT.T.AGE SOUVENIR. 

YOUTHFUL SPORTS. 



At Lake View Park on Erie's sloping beach, 
Were groups of children playing in the sand. 

They made their work beyond the waters reach, 
And dug the dirt and heaped it o'er the strand. 

The joyful voices blended in the roar, 
As wave on wave, with a peculiar noise, 

Broke with its spray upon the shore, 
And washed the feet of girls and boys. 

See mimic tools of shovels, spoons and spades. 
And buckets fall of w^ater from the surge, 

To ply the builder's and the driller's trades: 
Then fabric rose, and fell without a dirge. 

Wells for oil or gas were always dusters ; 

Pleasure in play the only pay streaA- found ; 
They mimiced well the oil men's blusters. 

But sought no treasure underneath the ground. 

In all that band were no disputed rights, 

The girl was fully equal to the boy ; 
They had few squalls, nor ever any lights. 

Peace reigned like gentle lake breeze, full of joy. 

When tired of play they donned their bathing suits 
And scampered out to meet the billows. 

A youthful, happy crow^d ; no one disputes. 
For their suits; not harps were on those willows. 



151 



SOAKING IN SUNSHINE. 



Thii. anecdote, from the New York Tribune, is as 
true to life as are Mrs. Dorothy Stanley's picture : 

"Hi, Jimmy ; come down here ; let's set on the bridge 
and go round when she turns. ' ' 

This from a ten-year-old street boy, standing on the ap- 
proach to a bridge over the Erie canal. 

The person addressed was a fellow street boy standing 
on a raised foot-bridge over the same muddy waterway. 
He was no older than his companion, and fully as ragged. 
He was lame and carried a crutch, but he had his com- 
pensation in a pleasant look of contentment that old 
Horace might have envied. He stood upon the foot- 
bridge and answered : 

"Naw ; can't; goi't stay here." 

"Aw, come on down. What d'ye hang up there fur.? 
Lots o' fun swinging 'round here. We kin git on a boat 
and go over the aqueduct, an' then ride back on another. 
Aw, come on down." 

"Naw ; can't do it." 

"Why not ? What yer wants ter fool 'round up there 
fur ? Ain't no fun up there." 

"Wal," was the answer that Jimmy drawled out, with 
as solomn a face as a cadet on parade, "I can't come 
down, nohow. I've got to stay up here and soak in all 
the sunshine I kin, so as I kin laugh when it rains." 



152 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

In a town of Empire state, 
A small urchin found a mate ; 
Would not come at earnest call 
After sunshine, view and all. 

Close to Erie canal bridge, 
A foot-span, whose highest ridge 
Gave a little "Arab" perch 
For a bright and sunlit search. 

'Twas an independent venture, 
Free from any gift indenture; 
Society for fresh air 
Did not pay for him one fare. 

He gatliered nature's treasures, 
Forgetting boyish pleasures ; 
On sunshine was fully bent — 
Air and light cost not a cent. 

Hello, Jimmy! come down here 
On the bridge; it moves so queer, 
Shakes, like butter in the churns; 
Let's go with it when it turns. 

'Tis a ten-year-old street boy. 
Makes the well-known halloo cry, 
To a lad near his own age. 
That in fun he would engage. 



SOAKING IN SUNSHINE. 153 

Lame, and leaning on a crutch ; 
Clothes with fringes, but not such, 
As tassels from a Persian loom, 
Only help for rag-shop boom. 

Answers, "Naw, got t' stay here. 
Come; what d'3'e hang up there?" 
Pleading, kindly, "Aw, come down, 
Lots o' fun — better than town." 

Says: "And we'll jump on a boat — 
Then o'er aqueduct we'll float; 
Get ride back on another;" 
There's kindness of a brother. 

"Come down ; up ther's no fun." 
Still he basks in the bright sun, 
Resting 'neath its welcome beams. 
Drinking down its silver streams. 

"With face like cadet on parade, 
Or of a more solemn grade; 
Then as with a little shout, 
"I can't come dow^n," drawled out. 

For sun bath from feet to brow — 
He says, "I can't come down nohow; 
I've got to stay up here and soak 
In the sunlight," like the oak ; 



154 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

Whose leaves receive,, raj^s by scores, 
So Jimmy bathed his pores, 
Only sunshine for his pains, 
"So he can laugh when it rains." 

Jimmy's maxims are for life ; 

Foolish is the worlding's strife. 

Where are all the noble braves ? 
Cowrards hide themselves in caves. 

They in sunlight take no pride; 
Darkness for the suicide ; 
Ambition brought the last moan, 
Because he could not reach the throne. 

Like Jimmy's friend, men call down 
All that soar, by cutting frown 
Or word. The only passes 
Are shut to Mount Parnassus. 

Byron found the Scotch Reviews, 
Passage to the mount refuse. 
With giant strength he mov'd the stones; 
Success for his care atones. 

Sad was the fate of poet Keats ; 
Censure wove his winding sheets. 
He lives, a name of beauty, 
'Mid wreaths of love and duty. 



BLARNEY CASTLE. 155 

Jimmy's truth is for the ages ; 
Brightens the historic pages. 
The great and good are its sunshine, 
Sparkling stones from richest mine. 

Diogenes, seated in his tub, 

Gave Alexander a strong rub ; 

When asked "What shall I do for you." 

Says, "Get out of my sunlight view." 

BLARNEY CASTLE. 



In infancy the tale we heard. 
That each speech and flattering word 
Had magic that was not our own. 
But came from kissing Blarney Stone. 

Eight days from city of New York, 
A jaunting car we found in Cork ; 
Then wending way o'er a smooth pike, 
We glided past each hedge and dike. 

Jehew told of his daughter. 
In our country o'er the water, 
Hibernian love for Green Isle 
Could not all his grief beguile. 

Strange were the sights upon the road, 
Queer was each equipage and load; 
Nor did we meet a cit^^ flunky 
But kindred, many a donkey. 



156 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

Some times long ears in a cart, 
Then without wheels he'd bear his part; 
Two heavy packs and little ones, 
Riding in triumph o'er the stones. 

The man found solace in his pipe, 
Then swigs of wiskey made him ripe 
For witty speech, and scraps of song. 
Or Erin tales, that memory throng. 

His poverty might win your pity. 
To join him in sorrow's ditty; 
Childlike he soon forgets the ills, 
Each day with mirthful joy he fills. 

Wife is knifing husband's stocking, 
Her tale of scandal is so shocking; 
'Tis not like dull knitting needles, 
But keener than parish beadles. 

She's homeward bound to pigs and fleas, 
Their want of food she will appease; 
For pigs, potatoes yield their skin, 
Her own for fleas is not too thin. 

Her friendly cow, with pig and goat, 
Their sounds with chanticleers may float, 
Disturbing Yankee traveler, . 
Whose nerves make him a caviler. 



BLARNEY CASTLE. 157 

I^oudly at times his swineship squeals, 
Then like enemy, shillalah feels; 
When quiet is again restored. 
And Morpheus once more adored. 

Freedom reigns in Irish cottage, 
With sea-weed and potato pottage; 
'Tis meager fare beneath that thatch, 
But outside hangs the string of latch. 

Pood brought them by the rolling surf, 
A.nd fire from the black bogs of turf; 
Lazy as Indian or Turk, 
Potatoes are his greatest work. 

On our way to Castle Blarney, 
Pools we found like lakes Killarney ; 
Beauty in cheeks, like June roses. 
Sparkling eye where love reposes. 

Por woman's beauty and man's wit. 
Graceful, like swan, w^hich on water sit. 
Shed, like the bird, their precious down, 
When radient face removes each frown. 

The mirthful soul is always full, 
By seizing every Irish bull ; 
The dismal clouds it surely breaks 
Por grandeur like Killarney lakes. 



158 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

At last we reach the porter's lodge, 
Pretty keeper could not dodge ; 
Long had formed her cherished plans, 
Waiting for us Americans. 

The entrance tips we can't evade, 
For blarney a reward is paid ; 
Smooth-talking keeper is so kind. 
With Celtic wreaths our hearts to bind. 

For each there was an emerald, 
As oily words our gloom dispelled ; 
For gentlemen a double share, 
Because she thought the purse he bare. 

In warning she was not alone — 
Don't let him kiss the blarney stone; 
So fine a gentleman would be a loss, 
If he no more the ocean cross. 

We passed over the dry moat, 

Where geese and swan were want to float; 

'Tis long since it was a defense, 

And foes crossed it at great expense. 

All that we see is now a wreck, 
Like ship with broken sides and deck, 
Tom by powerful cannon ballo, 
Remains for view dismantled walls. 



BLARNEY CASTLE, 159 

Upon it Cromwell left his mark, 
When out upon his Irish lark, 
Pulling down to upturn the pope 
Was his great aim and sanguine hope. 

Once those were halls of lovely pomp, 
Where beau and belle enjoyed a romp. 
Intrigues were made in that dark fort 
Of war and love — a dark court. 

Cavalier would unsheath his sword 
At any glance or saucy word, 
When just returned from the crusade, 
From holy sepulcher with blade. 

For insult he sought no repeal. 
But probed it with Damascus steel; 
Was in that day a case of honor, 
To fight for belle, and dote upon her. 

But what about the Blarney stone ? 
Four feet from top stands out alone; 
Just measures the same distance down — 
'Tis reached by antics of a clown. 

Head goes down — They hold his heels 
Until his lips the cold stone feels ; 
For men in all their kissing tracks 
Must pay for their delicious smaks. 



160 VILLAGE SOUVENIR. 

And if he should slip from their handa. 
The hour-glass loses all its sands. 
To such whims no one should cater, 
And to Blarney be another marty.r. 

On upper stone find substitute. 

It's Blarney strength who can refute; 

May to wife be like typewriter, 

For the wrong she'll some day fight her. 

Adieu, Castle, ivy, shamrock; 
Around thee birds of song may flock. 
On ruins we no more shall gaze; 
Thrush and nighingale will sing praise. 



